The Conservatives are set to outline plans to pursue new nuclear energy in Scotland, with shadow energy secretary Andrew Bowie arguing that the country should not be excluded from future UK reactor projects.
Mr Bowie is expected to say at the UK Conservative conference on Monday that the UK needs a third large-scale nuclear reactor and that no part of the country should be ruled out as a potential location.
Call for legislative change
The Scottish Government has enforced a ban on the construction of new nuclear power stations in Scotland. The country’s sole remaining nuclear station is Torness in East Lothian, where operations have been extended to 2030.
Before his speech, Mr Bowie, the MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, said: “The SNP’s effective ban on new nuclear energy in Scotland flies in the face of common sense.
“No part of Great Britain should be missing out on plans for new nuclear renewal.
“That is why I am delighted to announce that the Conservatives will look to see how we can legislate to deliver new nuclear energy in Scotland.
“The SNP’s luddite approach is costing jobs in Scotland, harming our energy security and ending Scotland’s rich and powerful association with the nuclear industry.
“If John Swinney and SNP ministers want to have a fight over any plans that would deliver thousands of jobs and protect energy security, then I say bring it on.”
Renewables response
Scotland’s energy minister Stephen Gethins said the Scottish Government was focused on developing the country’s renewable energy resources.
He said: “The Scottish Government is focused on supporting the development of Scotland’s remarkable renewable energy potential – which provides jobs, is safer and doesn’t leave a legacy of nuclear waste.
“For example, industry reports estimate that offshore wind alone could support up to 49,000 jobs in Scotland – that is why it is at the centre of both our energy and our economic ambitions.”