SNP energy spokesman Mike Weir last night stepped up attacks on Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s plan to stave off soaring fuel costs by building more nuclear power stations.
He warned that the UK Government’s nuclear ambitions would involve “signing a blank cheque” to the industry to be paid by generations to come.
The Angus MP said: “Claims that there will be no public subsidy for new nuclear stations are irresponsible fantasy.
“The costs associated with developing new nuclear stations are mammoth, and the expense and risks associated with disposal are incalculable.”
Mr Weir said Scotland was capable of meeting future energy needs through renewables. He added: “Thank goodness we have an SNP government in Scotland that will not allow any new nuclear stations on our soil.”
Meanwhile, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Nicol Stephen said Mr Brown and Chancellor Alistair Darling desperately needed a reality check over proposals to develop new nuclear power plants in 10 years’ time when Scots are paying up to £1.40 a litre for petrol and need help now.
Speaking in Glasgow, he said: “Gordon Brown’s changes will not make a scrap of difference or give any relief to hard-pressed families and businesses in Scotland now.”
SNP Treasury spokesman Stewart Hosie challenged Mr Darling to adopt the SNP proposal for a “fuel price regulator” using the £4billion the Treasury will bring in from taxes on fuel to alleviate the burden of soaring prices.
The Dundee East MP said: “The chancellor says he’s listening, but now he needs to do some explaining.
“Scotland is an oil-rich nation, yet we are increasingly fuel poor as prices spiral out of control.
“If the Scottish Parliament had responsibility for our oil and gas revenues, we would certainly be acting to ease the burden and protect Scotland from the impact of soaring fuel prices.”
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