SNP WARNS BROWN ON NEW NUCLEAR PLANS

 

Commenting on remarks today (Wednesday) by Gordon Brown that the UK Government is to make a "more ambitious" move towards nuclear power, SNP Westminster Energy spokesperson, Mike Weir MP, has reminded him that the Scottish Government has the right to decide over the issue of new nuclear plants being built in Scotland.

 

Mr Weir said:

 

"Gordon Brown's love affair with nuclear is as cosy as ever, but he must remember that Scotland has already said no to new nuclear plants.

 

"It is the Scottish Government that has the right to right to decide whether there should be new nuclear power stations in Scotland, and along with the majority of MSPs, and the support of the Scottish public, the SNP Government has made it's position crystal clear.

 

"The SNP wants to see Scotland's renewable energy potential take off. Scotland is capable of meeting her energy needs through renewables and new technologies such as clean coal and carbon capture. 

 

"The UK Government should concentrate on creating a green energy future rather than the danger, cost and worry of new nuclear stations.

 

"By pressing ahead with its nuclear ambitions the Gordon Brown is signing a blank cheque for generations to come as a senior official at the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has said the bill for cleaning up the UK's ageing nuclear facilities looks set to rise above £73 billion.

 

“Gordon Brown does not seem to understand that it is his policies that are the problem, not the solution - as we saw when the pioneering Peterhead carbon capture project was abandoned, and eventually transferred to Abu Dhabi.

 

“That was an opportunity to develop potentially planet saving technology in Scotland, while increasing oil production in the Miller field. It is a perfect illustration of why the Scottish Parliament needs responsibility for energy policy.

 

"The costs associated with developing new nuclear stations are mammoth, and the expense and risks associated with disposal are incalculable. There is nothing sustainable about nuclear.

 

"Thank goodness we have an SNP Government in Scotland that will not allow any new nuclear stations on our soil."