LABOUR'S NUCLEAR PLANS IN PIECES AS INDUSTRY MAKES SUBSIDY PLEA

LABOUR'S NUCLEAR PLANS IN PIECES AS INDUSTRY MAKES SUBSIDY PLEA

SCOTLAND'S GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO HAVE JOBS WITH A RENEWABLES FUTURE.

Labour government plans for a new generation of unsubsidised nuclear plants have been left in tatters after the head of the UK's biggest nuclear generator warned that new nuclear stations will not be built unless the UK government steps in with financial subsidies.

SNP Westminster Energy spokesperson, Mike Weir MP, seized on the admission by Vincent de Rivaz, UK boss of EDF Energy, as further evidence that nuclear power was unaffordable, unwise and unnecessary and that the SNP Government's drive for renewables was the only sensible way forward to not only create a green energy future but also provide jobs in these troubled economic times.

Mr Weir said:

“Claims that there would be no public subsidy for new nuclear stations were always fantasy, and this admission by EDF is both embarrassing and damaging for the UK government.

“The fact is that 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 toxic waste.

“This latest admission underline why the UK government must follow the example of the Scottish Government and concentrate on creating a green energy future rather than the danger, cost and worry of new nuclear stations.

“Clean, green technologies are up and running, and being deployed in Scotland already. In these troubled economic times it is green jobs that offer a future for our people. The facts speak for themselves - since May 2007 the Scottish Government has determined 26 energy applications, including consenting 22 renewables projects, totalling over 1.5 GW. That is one a month, and more than during the previous 4 years of the Labour/Liberal administration put together.

“Scotland is capable of meeting our energy needs through renewables and new technologies, and the here and now investment by the SNP Government is in stark contrast with Labour’s if, when, dim and distant and dangerous nuclear proposals.”

EDFs call for subsidies for new nuclear developments can be found at:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1369ae48-4972-11de-9e19-00144feabdc0.html