Douglas Alexander MP and Martin Whitfield MSP have welcomed the commitment by Ed Miliband to open immediate discussions on new nuclear projects in Scotland if a Scottish Labour Government is elected on May 7 next year.
If Labour wins the election, the Energy and Net Zero Secretary has committed to joining Anas Sarwar in writing to the world’s nuclear industry the day after the election to invite them to talks about investing in new nuclear projects at Scottish locations.
Mr Miliband has also confirmed that his department is already working on potential sites for new nuclear stations, including Torness and Hunterston.
Douglas Alexander MP said:
“I’ve been working with Ed Miliband to ensure that Scotland is ready to take advantage of investment in new nuclear projects if voters decide to remove the SNP’s block next May.
“This announcement confirms that on day one of a Scottish Labour government, Torness would be among the first locations considered for the next generation of nuclear facilities in Scotland.
“It would mean Scotland and East Lothian are able to benefit from the significant new investment and quality jobs in civil nuclear energy that other parts of the UK are already securing.”
Martin Whitfield MSP said:
“Scotland is being left behind in the global development of the next generation of nuclear power. This is bad for jobs, local economies and opportunities for young people.
“This commitment from Ed Miliband shows that a Scottish Labour Government could help ensure a future for nuclear energy in Scotland, delivering clean energy and quality jobs.
“Torness and East Lothian would be at the front of the queue for the investment and high skilled jobs and apprenticeships this would bring, but only if we end the SNP’s outdated block on new nuclear next May.”