The Scottish Government has been warned its stance on nuclear power means the country is missing out on jobs and economic growth.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray says new research shows Scotland risks becoming one of the few areas in Europe where the government is publicly against new nuclear development.
And he says it could create thousands of new, highly-skilled jobs in Scotland while also delivering clean, secure and more affordable energy for working people.
It comes as the MP visits Torness Nuclear Power Station in East Lothian and he wants Scotland to follow countries such as Denmark, Italy and Belgium in changing their views on nuclear energy.
Mr Murray said: “In other parts of the UK, the UK Government is driving forward nuclear power, as are countries across Europe and indeed the world. But in Scotland the Scottish Government clings to its ideological objection to new nuclear sites.
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“That means that Scotland is being left behind, missing out on thousands of skilled jobs and economic growth, as well as clean affordable energy. I urge the Scottish Government to put Scotland’s interests first.”
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association said: "Nuclear in Scotland will bring jobs and growth as well as a constant supply of secure, reliable and clean electricity that complements other low carbon sources.
“As countries around the world are increasingly embracing nuclear as an integral part of achieving energy security, decarbonisation and minimising the exposure to the volatility of fossil fuel prices. The Scottish Government’s refusal to countenance replacing Torness when it retires in a few years is indicative of a fundamental lack of seriousness of policy."
Sam Richards, CEO of pro-growth campaign group Britain Remade, said: “Scotland is being left behind. While countries like Sweden and Finland embrace clean, reliable nuclear energy - the Scottish Government clings to its outdated ban on new nuclear. If nuclear industry jobs and investment are banned from coming to Scotland, they will go to these places instead.
“Torness has powered homes and supported jobs for decades, but a lack of certainty over its future puts this in jeopardy. Renewables are vital, but wind and solar can’t do it all. Scotland needs nuclear to provide jobs and investment, deliver secure domestic energy, and cut emissions. Most Scots and even most SNP voters back it. It’s time for ministers in Edinburgh to stop saying no and start saying yes to new nuclear.”
Torness is due to stop generating by March 2030, having been up and running since 1988.
The power station currently employs around 550 full-time EDF employees plus more than 180 full-time contract partners.
Staff are to be given an opportunity to retrain ahead of its closure in 2030 with the power station among the largest employers in the south-east of Scotland.
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