CALMAN THREATENS SCOTLAND'S NUCLEAR POWERS

CALMAN THREATENS SCOTLAND'S NUCLEAR POWERS

SNP MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville has hit out at the Calman Commission’s consideration of Scotland’s powers over energy and planning.

Despite receiving more submissions calling for further devolution of powers over energy the Commission plans to consult on where the Scottish Government and Parliament’s responsibilities may cause friction with UK policy – not on what are the best powers for the Scottish Parliament.

Submissions opposing the Scottish Parliament’s powers over nuclear energy were received from the CBI and UK Government – both of whom are represented on the Commission.

The Church of Scotland, UNISON, the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations all call for further devolution of energy powers.

Lothians MSP and Member of the Scottish Parliament’s Climate Change Committee Shirley-Anne Somerville said;

“The Calman Commission threatens a real explosion over control of nuclear power.

“The Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament and a majority of the Scottish people are opposed to building new nuclear power stations in Scotland.

“We have already seen the UK Government’s desire to take back nuclear planning powers – now we see the true colours of the Calman Commission.

“The Commission’s questions on energy and planning are clearly designed to please the Labour Government in London whilst taking little account of the clear desire in Scotland for more energy devolution not less.

“On the day when the Scottish Government is launching the next phase of the £10 million Saltire Prize for marine energy development this highlights the sheer failure of the Commission to understand Scotland’s potential and its priorities.

“Calman must confirm that he does not intend to see Scotland’s essential planning powers returned to the UK Government.”