Charlton says ''Scotland should say no to nuclear'' (Dundee Liberal Democrats)

Dundee Liberal Democrats <info@dundeelibdems.org.uk>

Charlton says ''Scotland should say no to nuclear''

July 12, 2006 9:00 AM

Dundee Liberal Democrat local party secretary Michael Charlton today (Wednesday 12th July) backed calls by Jo Swinson MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, to oppose plans by the Labour Westminster Government to build a new generation of nuclear power stations.

Mr Charlton said, ''Dundee Liberal Democrats fully support calls by Jo Swinson to oppose an extension of nuclear power stations in Scotland, which are not only highly expensive but bring with them serious issues about waste disposal. Its clear that the Scottish public do not want nuclear and Labour should listen to this.''

Following the statement by Trade and Industry Secretary Alastair Darling, Jo Swinson commented:

"The Government's commitment to new nuclear power stations brings with it a host of unwelcome side-effects, not least over unresolved waste disposal issues and the level of taxpayer subsidies that will be needed to back up new developments.

"Increased energy efficiency, microgeneration and renewables must be at the heart of energy policy. There is a clear risk that investing in new nuclear will seriously undermine confidence and potential funding in these areas.

"The fact is, Scotland doesn't need to subscribe to Tony Blair's nuclear agenda. The Scottish Executive has the final say over new nuclear power stations in Scotland. It is clear that there is no demand for new nuclear power stations in Scotland and that the Executive has no appetite to build any."