GOVERNMENT MUST BE CLEAR ON WHO PAYS FOR NUCLEAR

 

Mike Weir MP, SNP Westminster Energy Spokesperson, has called for more transparency from the UK Government on the cost of nuclear power and who will be expected to foot the bill for any new stations.

 

Speaking ahead of the expected announcement of government backing for new nuclear power stations, Mr Weir warned that they were a “financial disaster waiting to happen” and could pile more misery on hard pressed consumers.

 

Mr Weir said:

 

“The truth of the matter is that there is nothing to prevent the generating companies from commissioning new nuclear stations now. They have not done so because the finances simply do not add up.

 

“Proponents of new nuclear quote the Finnish decision to press ahead with a new station, but that is already well behind schedule and massively over budget. Nuclear power stations the world over have only been built with some kind of state support.

 

“New nuclear power stations are a financial disaster waiting to happen. If the UK Government are to press ahead with this ludicrous proposal they must make clear exactly how they are to be financed and in particular whether the electricity generating companies are being given any long term guarantees on prices that will be loaded on to the long suffering consumer. They also have to make clear who will meet the massive long term costs of dealing with nuclear waste.

 

“Thankfully the Scottish government has made clear that they will block any new nuclear stations in Scotland.”