SNP's ‘senseless' nuclear ban ‘damaging Scotland'
The Scottish National Party (SNP) is under pressure to ditch its 'senseless' nuclear power ban over fears the policy risks hurting the economy.
A poll of Scots by Britain Remade, a campaign group, showed that more than half of SNP voters would like Scotland to make greater use of nuclear power, which has been staunchly opposed by the party since the 1970s.
According to the survey, 52pc of those who voted SNP in 2021 believe nuclear power should be part of Scotland's energy mix to meet Holyrood's net zero target in 2045. Overall, 56pc of Scots support nuclear.
The results are surprising because opposition to nuclear energy has historically been one of the SNP's defining policies.
Britain Remade has called for the rapid construction of new nuclear power stations in Scotland to ensure that the technology remains part of its energy mix.
It is also campaigning for the development of Small Modular Reactors in Scotland as the group believes the mini-nuclear reactors can help to secure jobs in the sector and maintain energy security.
Just a third of SNP voters surveyed said they opposed the development of nuclear power while 15pc said they were undecided.
Martin Whitfield, the Labour MSP for South Scotland, said: 'This senseless policy is harming our energy security, economic potential, and hampering our ability to deliver on Scotland's climate change commitments.
'If we don't act soon to end this ideological opposition, Scotland will lose its nuclear energy capacity entirely, damaging jobs and the economy, including East Lothian.'
The results of the polling come as Britain Remade called on the SNP to abandon its opposition to nuclear power stations.
Britain Remade, which campaigns for economic growth, warned that the SNP's opposition to new nuclear power stations could cause Scotland to miss out on significant levels of investment as well as thousands of jobs.
EDF Energy confirmed in December that it would extend the operational lifespan of the Torness nuclear power station until at least 2030. Yet, beyond the end of the decade there is significant uncertainty about the future of nuclear power in Scotland.
John Lamont, the Conservative MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, said encouraging the construction of nuclear power stations is 'basic common sense because it would bring energy bills down for workers, businesses and families'.
He added: 'Everyone seems to be able to see the huge benefits of nuclear energy, except the SNP. John Swinney's government is out of touch with the views of mainstream Scotland.'
Scotland's first nuclear power station was opened in 1959, at Chapelcross in Dumfries and Galloway. It was in operation until 2004.
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