Far north MP hits out over ‘wasted potential’ for nuclear power

Jamie Stone has lamented the “wasted potential” for nuclear development in Scotland with its potential to generate high-quality jobs.

He declared that his “greatest wish” is for the Scottish Government to reconsider its stance on nuclear energy and consider the potential benefits it could bring.

Mr Stone welcomed the Prime Minister’s plans to make it easier to build reactors in England and Wales.

At the same time, the Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross expressed frustration over the Scottish Government’s ability to block such projects north of the border through devolved planning powers.

Sir Keir Starmer visited the UK National Nuclear Laboratory in Lancashire and made it clear that reforms to planning rules will clear a path for small modular reactors in England and Wales, creating thousands of opportunities for skilled workers.

Supporters say nuclear offers a more climate-friendly alternative to fossil fuels, helping to meet the need for low-carbon power and energy security.

The Scottish Government is opposed to the building of new nuclear stations using current technologies. It believes that nuclear power represents poor value for consumers.

Mr Stone said: “I am very pleased to see the UK government embracing nuclear energy. It is the route to greater energy security for our country – the importance of which cannot be overstated in the current international climate.

“What’s more, the creation of more nuclear reactors means the creation of more high-quality jobs for communities.

“I have long been a great advocate of Dounreay, and have always vouched for the fact that a licensed site which creates local employment and promises sustainable energy can only be a good thing.

“However, the prospect of the SNP blocking planning proposals for more reactors in Scotland frustrates me beyond words. I hate to see such wasted potential for Scotland and the people who live here.

“It is my greatest wish that the Scottish Government would reconsider the benefits of enabling further development of nuclear energy in Scotland, especially in the far north.”

Sir Keir said: “This country hasn’t built a nuclear power station in decades. We’ve been let down and left behind.

“Our energy security has been hostage to Putin for too long, with British prices skyrocketing at his whims.

“I’m putting an end to it – changing the rules to back the builders of this nation, and saying no to the blockers who have strangled our chances of cheaper energy, growth and jobs for far too long.”

Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “This is the Prime Minister’s strongest signal yet that new nuclear is critical to the growth and clean power mission.

“A more streamlined planning system will give certainty to investors, the supply chain and communities, and will enable us to get on with building new nuclear plants on more sites and at pace for a cleaner, more secure power system.”

Mr Stone said last month he would be in favour of a small modular reactor being built at Dounreay.

At an event marking Nuclear Week in Parliament, the MP described the Scottish Government’s opposition to nuclear energy as “not a constructive way for Scotland to move forward”.

After receiving an encouraging response on fusion energy from the minister for climate, Kerry McCarthy, Mr Stone has been promised a meeting with the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero.

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