WESTMINSTER SIGNING NUCLEAR BLANK CHEQUE

 

As the Energy Bill reaches Report Stage and Third Reading in the House of Commons today (Wednesday) SNP Westminster Energy spokesperson, Mike Weir MP, has accused the UK Government of signing a blank cheque for future generations over its nuclear plans.

 

Mr Weir pointed to comments by a senior UK Government advisor, Dieter Helm, who criticised the UK Government’s nuclear energy policy as being fundamentally flawed as it relies on the “fiction” that a new generation of reactors can be built without state support.

 

Professor Helm, who has helped shape energy policy for the past decade, confirmed that “There never has been and never will be a nuclear power programme that is totally dependent on the market.”

 

Mr Weir said:

 

“By pressing ahead with its nuclear ambitions the UK Government is signing a blank cheque for generations to come.  

 

“Claims that there will no public subsidy for new nuclear stations are irresponsible fantasy, as a senior Government advisor openly admits.

 

“No country has developed and maintained nuclear stations without state support, nor ever will.

 

“The costs associated with developing new nuclear stations are mammoth, and the expense and risks associated with disposal are incalculable.

 

“The UK has still to make a decision on the storage of existing nuclear waste, the cost of which is now also steadily escalating, let alone how to deal with a whole new generation of waste.

 

“Thank goodness we have an SNP Government in Scotland that will not allow any new nuclear stations on our soil. UK Ministers should follow that lead and concentrate on creating a green energy future rather than the danger, cost and worry of new nuclear stations.”