• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

JACK: NO U-TURN ON SCOTS NUKE PLANTS ; McConnell Denies Power Rethink

Posted on: Monday, 16 January 2006, 06:00 CST

By Dave King

FIRST Minister Jack McConnell has denied he is set to make a U- turn over nuclear power.

The Executive have previously said there should be no new nuke plants in Scotland until the waste disposal problem has been resolved.

Now Labour members and trade unionists are being asked for their views before the manifesto for the 2007 Scottish elections is drawn up.

But a source close to the First Minister insisted: "This is not paving the way for a U-turn on nuclear energy.

"Within the Labour Party's policy process, there are a couple of questions on Scotland's long-term energy needs and how they can be addressed.

"We cannot have a position where the Scottish Labour Party is the only political party in Britain that doesn't have a view on nuclear energy.

"It could be pro or against but we have to have that discussion.

"Decisions on whether there are new nuclear power stations in Scotland will be taken in Scotland by Scottish ministers."

However the SNP said Labour would simply follow London's lead.

Energy spokesman Richard Lochhead claimed: "Just as Blair's review is nothing more than a rallying call for nuclear, Jack McConnell's exercise will be no more than a rubber-stamping exercise for Westminster's decision.

"Nuclear power is dirty, dangerous, un-needed and unwanted. By developing our renew-ables' potential, we can become a world leader while creating jobs and maintaining security of supply."

But Labour MSP Bristow Muldoon, who is also chair of the party's Scottish policy forum, hit out: "It is right that nuclear is discussed as part of an energy mix. There is no presumption for or against."

Meanwhile, the Amicus union plan a campaign seeking public support for nuclear power.

General secretary Derek Simpson said: "We need urgent action or Britain will face blackouts and soaring utility bills."

Source: Daily Record; Glasgow (UK)

More News in this Category