The Conservatives are to announce plans for new nuclear energy in Scotland, warning that the SNP’s “luddite” approach is detrimental to jobs and energy security.
Shadow energy secretary Andrew Bowie MP said the SNP’s “effective ban” on new nuclear energy in Scotland “flies in the face of common sense”.
SNP ministers have enforced a ban on the construction of new nuclear power stations in Scotland.
In a speech to the UK Conservative conference on Monday, Mr Bowie is expected to say the UK needs a third large-scale nuclear reactor and that no part of the country should be off-limits for its location, including Scotland.
The sole remaining nuclear power station in Scotland is at Torness, East Lothian, where operations have been extended to 2030.
Before his speech Mr Bowie, MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, said: “The SNP’s effective ban on new nuclear energy in Scotland flies in the face of common sense.
“No part of Great Britain should be missing out on plans for new nuclear renewal.
“That is why I am delighted to announce that the Conservatives will look to see how we can legislate to deliver new nuclear energy in Scotland.
“The SNP’s luddite approach is costing jobs in Scotland, harming our energy security and ending Scotland’s rich and powerful association with the nuclear industry.
“If John Swinney and SNP ministers want to have a fight over any plans that would deliver thousands of jobs and protect energy security, then I say bring it on.”
Scotland’s energy minister Stephen Gethins said: “The Scottish Government is focused on supporting the development of Scotland’s remarkable renewable energy potential – which provides jobs, is safer and doesn’t leave a legacy of nuclear waste.
“For example, industry reports estimate that offshore wind alone could support up to 49,000 jobs in Scotland – that is why it is at the centre of both our energy and our economic ambitions.”
