WEIR CALLS FOR SUBSIDY ASSURANCE OVER NEW NUCLEAR

WEIR CALLS FOR SUBSIDY ASSURANCE OVER NEW NUCLEAR

Speaking in a Commons debate this morning (Tuesday) on the UK
government’s policy on nuclear energy, SNP Energy and Climate Change
spokesperson Mike Weir MP called on the coalition government to
confirm that there would be no public subsidy for new nuclear stations
– and rule out rumoured plans to fix carbon prices which would amount
to a hidden subsidy for new nuclear stations.

Speaking after the debate, Mr Weir said:

“The coalition is in chaos on new nuclear with the Tories claiming
developments will only go ahead without public subsidy, and the
LibDems opposed to the plans but resigned to abstaining on any vote.
Chris Huhne would be in the position of not voting for a proposal that
his Department has brought forward, which seems bizarre to say the
least.

“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.

“If the coalition are serious on the subsidy issue they must abandon
rumoured plans to fix carbon prices which would amount to a hidden
subsidy for new nuclear stations.

“The reality is that the UK Government is bogged down in nuclear
planning issues and making no progress and creating no jobs while, in
contrast, the Scottish Government is getting on with the job of
investing in the technologies of the future, and supporting thousands
of green energy jobs.”