IAN Murray has been urged to “respect” devolution and rule out building any new nuclear power stations in Scotland.
The new Scottish Secretary has been called on to make good on Labour’s pledge of a “constructive relationship” with devolved governments after he repeatedly declined to rule out new nuclear plants north of the Border.
Planning is devolved, and the SNP-run Scottish Government opposes any new nuclear developments in Scotland.
But former Scottish secretary Alister Jack revealed earlier this year that he had told officials in the UK Government to prepare for new Scottish nuclear projects – and on Tuesday Murray refused to rule them out.
Pushed on whether the UK Government and GB Energy could overrule Holyrood to build a new nuclear power station in Scotland, Murray said: “This is really, really important. We have a mandate for our manifesto.
“Our manifesto contains some really bold missions and policies that will transform the country, create jobs and make the cost of living crisis better for people in the longer term. And we have to make sure we can deliver those.”
Labour’s manifesto includes promises to “end a decade of dithering” and build new nuclear power stations.
Now, in a letter to the new Scottish Secretary, the convener of Scotland’s Nuclear Free Local Authorities (Scottish NFLA) has asked for his “respect and understanding for devolution”.
The Scottish NFLA also highlighted how Tom Greatrex, the chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, had said in a blog post published on July 10 that Labour MP and Energy Minister Michael Shanks had been given responsibility over nuclear.
Paul Leinster, an SNP councillor as well as Scottish NFLA convener, wrote: “I was concerned to hear your interview on Good Morning Scotland on Tuesday July 9. When asked multiple times if the UK Government would impose energy projects on communities against their will, against Scottish planning policy and against the will of the Scottish Government, as you know, you repeatedly refused to rule this out.
“I was particularly alarmed by the idea that new nuclear power facilities could be constructed in Scotland contrary to the Scottish Government’s explicit policy against this.
“I share your ambition of a constructive relationship across these islands, working together for the good of the planet and for achieving our shared climate goals.
“However, fundamental to that good relationship is a respect and understanding for devolution and where powers lie, both at a national level in Scotland and at the level of local authorities and local communities.
“I hope that as the plans for GB Energy advance, these relationships are respected.”
Leinster further said that, despite any divergence on nuclear, the Scottish NFLA would be happy to work with the UK Government in any areas to improve energy security.
The Scottish NFLA said they had been given an acknowledgement that the letter has been received, and added: “We look forward to the Secretary of State’s full response.”
The Scotland Office has been asked for comment.
