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MPs clash over nuclear power for Scotland MPs have clashed in the Commons over whether there should be new nuclear power stations in Scotland. The row came during a parliamentary debate on electricity generation and consumption north of the Border instigated by backbench Labour MP Gordon Banks. He claimed jobs and investment in Scotland would be lost because of the current Scottish government's opposition to nuclear power. Fellow Labour backbencher and Glasgow MP John Robertson said it was "outrageous" that the Scottish administration was using its planning powers to block nuclear power investment in Scotland. Both MPs claimed Scotland needed new nuclear plant as part of a balanced energy mix. However Mike Weir, the Scottish National Party MP for Angus, insisted: "The Scottish Government are entitled to exercise their power under the electricity and planning legislation". He added: "The SNP and the Scottish Government do not accept the need for new nuclear power stations in Scotland. We do not need new nuclear power stations. Scotland has the potential to be the green powerhouse of Europe and we should concentrate on creating a safer, greener Scotland by developing that full potential. Nuclear power is costly and has never lived up to the claims of its proponents". Alistair Carmichael, the Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland, insisted he was not theologically opposed to nuclear power but explained he opposed it because of what he called "the lack of openness and candour that the nuclear industry demonstrates with regard to the management of nuclear waste". Ben Wallace, the Conservative MP for Lancaster and Wyre, attacked the SNP for claiming that the majority of Scots opposed nuclear power. Wallace said there were Scottish Government figures which showed that 53 over cent of those polled were in favour of nuclear power. For the government Scottish minister Ann McKechin insisted:"The world is moving to a low- carbon economy and we are determined that Scotland and the UK will not be left behind. Scotland must now get the benefit and the jobs that will come from the energy revolution. That revolution is not restricted to renewable, but also includes clean fossil fuels and nuclear energy". Source: Utility Week © Faversham House Group Ltd 2009. News articles may be copied or forwarded
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