Jim McGovern, MP for Dundee West today asked the Leader of the House of Commons for a debate in the House of Commons regarding the SNP-led Scottish Executive refusal to consider nuclear energy as part of the energy mix for Scotland.

Mr McGovern asked the Leader:

‘Could we have a debate on the future of the UK energy policy, particularly focussing on Scotland and the SNP-led Scottish Executive’s complete disregard for the use of nuclear energy as part of the energy mix needed to secure the energy future for Scotland. Would the Minister also agree that this not only flies in the face of prevailing scientific opinion also but the opinion of Scotland’s own chief scientific adviser Professor Glover?’

Mr McGovern commented after question time:

‘I am happy that the Leader of the House agreed that the SNP-led Scottish Executive is putting the energy future of Scotland at risk in not considering nuclear energy alongside renewable and traditional energy sources.’

‘In addition, the SNP’s position on nuclear energy was also criticised yesterday by well-known SNP donor Sir Tom Farmer when he committed to a ‘definite open mind’ about nuclear power stations and that whatever happens ‘we have got to keep the lights on.’

‘Sir Tom gave £100,000 to the SNP before the last Holyrood elections and has recently joined the board of Scottish Power, who are owned by Iberdrola who are pushing to build new nuclear power stations in the UK.’

Mr McGovern added:

‘It is clear that the SNP are drastically out of touch with the energy needs of Scotland for the future, and Sir Tom’s comments are a further great embarrassment to the SNP. Energy policy for Scotland needs to include a realistic energy mix incorporating renewables, nuclear and current energy sources just as the UK Labour government have sensibly committed to.’