Leaked Government Report Shows Dangers of No Deal Brexit to Pembrokeshire Oil Refinery Investment

Pembrokeshire’s two Welsh Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidates have commented on the potential impact on the Valero oil refinery of a ‘no deal’ Brexit which may well lead to export tariffs on petrol.

The introduction of petrol tariffs was highlighted in a leaked government document as one consequence of a ‘no deal’ Brexit. The document also referred to a shortage of some fresh food, medical supplies being vulnerable to severe delays and delays at our ports if we leave without a deal.

The report stated the introduction of petrol export tariffs into the EU together with the UK government’s plans to set import tariffs into Britain at zero will damage the competitiveness of British refineries and “inadvertently” close two of the UK’s six oil refineries leading to 2,000 job losses. The resulting strike action would lead to limited fuel availability in the regions which they directly supply. The BBC and local press have reported that whilst Valero are committed to be in Pembrokeshire for the long-term, a “no-deal” Brexit and the unfair tariffs will make it harder for them to increase investment in their Pembrokeshire oil refinery.

Alistair Cameron, Welsh Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for West Carmarthen and South Pembrokeshire said: “Valero is a major local employer which employs around 500 people plus hundreds of contractors. This is one more example of how leaving the EU without a deal will cause immense damage to our local economy.”

Tom Hughes, Welsh Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Preseli Pembrokeshire said: “No-one voted to crash out of the EU without a deal. We should therefore go back to the British public in a referendum and give people the option to remain in the EU.”