'Work with me in Yorkshire': Andy Burnham responds to Sir Jim Ratcliffe mothballing Hull plants

Andy Burnham has called on Sir Jim Ratcliffe to work with him “in Yorkshire as we’ve worked … here in Greater Manchester” after Ineos announced plans to mothball three plants in Hull.

Earlier this week, Sir Jim announced his chemicals firm was winding down operations in the Humber over the high gas prices in the UK.

He said Ineos was “being forced to mothball some of the most efficient plants in Europe but with gas prices now 12 times the level in the US and eight times that of China, we just cannot compete”.

Manchester United owner Sir Jim said this was “destroying our manufacturing base and the jobs of hard-working people on Humberside”.

It is understood that around 1,000 employees who are based at the Saltend Chemicals Park will be affected by the move, of which about 240 are directly employed by Ineos.

Ineos said there could be a knock-on impact to a further 3,000 skilled jobs in the Humber.

It is the latest blow to the Saltend Chemicals Park, which saw the Vivergo Fuels bioethanol plant close after the UK’s trade deal with the US last year.

When asked about the closure by ITV Calendar, the Prime Minister said: “We are always looking to support industry with energy costs, and I know Jim and others are right to raise concerns that the cost of energy in this country is too high, particularly for industry.

Responding to the Ineos chief questioning his Government, Mr Burnham added: “Britain is open for business and we do put a lot of support on the table to help businesses.

“So my message is we’re always open to hear what people have got to say. No10 North exists to support growth in all parts of the country.

“We're very willing to work with Jim over in Yorkshire as we've worked with him here in Greater Manchester with the plans to regenerate Old Trafford.”