We need nuclear power

Published on Monday 9 February 2009 20:16

Scotland's need for nuclear power as part of a balanced, low-carbon mix of energy is becoming increasingly apparent. With a prospective gap in provision from the closures of Hunterston and Torness and the challenges of climate change and security of supply, the SNP's dogma on nuclear is seriously jeopardising Scotland's future.

Indeed, the announcement of preferred sites outside of Scotland for new-build and investment in skills, jobs and infrastructure highlights the cost Scotland is already paying. While this provides the impetus to act now, it is not only the fact that the SNP's decision over nuclear is wrong and prejudicial that planning over energy should be brought back to the UK level. It has always been recognised that energy is a nationally important issue which demands we unite as a country, so the devolution settlement reserved the expertise, resources and departments for energy with the UK government.

The issue should not be painted as taking power from Holyrood when it's really about shoring up the devolution settlement and making sure we get the right decisions on energy for Scotland's future. Like defence, national security and finance, energy is of UK-wide importance, where we are all intricately and fundamentally linked and there is a clear need for co-ordination of the whole.

Turning inwards and taking a gamble on untested technology just won't work, and businesses and political parties from across the spectrum are swiftly recognising this is far from being in Scotland's interests.

JOHN ROBERTSON MP

Chair, All Party Parliamentary Group on Nuclear Energy

House of Commons, London