Latest news with #BritainRemade
The National
3 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Scots aren't having our voices heard – nuclear is one such case study
It was organised by Britain Remade, a lobby group headed by former Tory spad Sam Richards. He described Britain Remade as a 'cross-party campaigning group' that believes in economic growth and building infrastructure. Britain Remade's campaign, 'New Scottish Nuclear Power', aims to reverse Scotland's ban on new nuclear power. Also present were councillor Norman Hampshire, the leader of East Lothian Council (ELC) and chair of the planning committee, and Labour MSP for South Scotland Martin Whitfield. READ MORE: Why the UK media 180 on Gaza is too little, too late Richards boasted about the UK's nuclear power track record. In 1956, the world's first nuclear reactor, Calder Hall, was built in Sellafield, Cumbria. The plant produced plutonium for the UK nuclear weapons programme – electricity for the domestic market was a sideline. Throughout its 47-year life, it exposed workers and the public to higher levels of radiation than comparable reactors and it wasn't economically viable for long periods. Sellafield is the site of Europe's worst nuclear accident – the 1957 Windscale fire, that led to the atmospheric dispersion of radioactive materials throughout England, Wales and northern Europe. Sellafield has been a nuclear waste dump since 1959 and has been called Europe's most toxic nuclear site, a 'bottomless pit of hell, money and despair'. It's a reason Scotland has been dubbed the 'cancer capital of the world'. That's a hell of a track record. Richards blamed high electricity bills on the UK's failure to build more nuclear plants, claiming nuclear was the reason France had lower bills. Wrong. Nuclear power has never been economic. It requires government subsidies and there's no solution for radioactive waste disposal. French energy bills are lower because France didn't privatise its energy and thus retained the ability to cap costs. The French government owns 100% of Électricité de France (EDF), which runs the Torness plant and the UK's four other operating nuclear plants. EDF should be showing far more concern about the safety of its UK plants. The Torness reactor has 46 cracks in its core which the ONR (Office for Nuclear Regulation) said could lead to a reactor meltdown and the release of radiation into the environment. EDF has extended the life of the plant to 2030. Britain Remade's goal is to get the ban on nuclear lifted and to use the Torness site for new nuclear plants. Whitfield trotted out two pro-nuclear talking points, both of which are easily refuted: 1. Nuclear power doesn't increase CO2. Not so. There are carbon emissions from mining, transporting and processing uranium, from constructing power plants and from transporting radioactive waste to places like Sellafield. By contrast, renewable energy doesn't increase CO2, there's no mining required or toxic waste to dispose of, and Scotland is bursting with renewables. 2. Nuclear power creates skilled jobs for life. The renewables industry also creates skilled jobs for life without shortening it – in engineering, project management, data analysis and renewable energy technologies – and doesn't endanger the health of workers or the local community. Councillor Hampshire, who worked at Torness, said that although he 'had to support renewables', nuclear is needed for baseload power, which is the minimum power level on the grid. Wrong again. Baseload power can be provided by any mix of generators, including variable wind and solar, if constant backup sources like tidal are provided. Furthermore, nuclear can't be easily switched off, so when it's present on the grid, much cheaper renewables are limited, which raises costs to the consumer. Nonetheless, councillor Hampshire said he was lobbying hard for more nuclear power. He wants two Rolls-Royce SMRs (Small Modular Reactors) at the Torness site, claiming they're cheaper and quicker to build and said that many SNP MSPs support him. I wrote about SMRs in February, showing they are more expensive than and just as dangerous as large nuclear reactors; will generate more radioactive waste and will turn communities into de facto long-term nuclear waste disposal sites. Only two SMRs are operating in the world – in Russia and China. Both are performing at less than 30% capacity and have been plagued by cost and time overruns. According to the World Nuclear Industry Status Report, these problems 'make it even less likely that SMRs will become commercialised.' Despite these facts, councillor Hampshire vows to include SMRs in the next ELC Local Development Plan. We were told that a lot of work is going on behind the scenes to ensure Torness remains an active nuclear site – with the UK having to import energy, otherwise. During the Q&A, Whitfield was asked what it would take to change Scotland's position. He replied 'a change of government' and questioned whether Scotland has the authority to ban nuclear power since energy policy is reserved to the UK. It does because the Scotland Act 1998 devolves planning to Scotland. Nevertheless, Whitfield said this could and would be tested through the courts, although he later clarified there were no definite plans to mount a legal challenge to Scotland's authority to ban new nuclear power. English Labour are pushing for more nuclear because they're funded by the industry. The industry expects a return. Nuclear power is another issue crying out for direct democracy, where the Scottish people – not special interests who are in bed with the politicians – have the power to decide via a referendum whether they want it or not. There are many other issues, local and national, over which the Scottish people have no control – pylons in the Highlands, corporate tax haven 'freeports', the closures of Ardrossan Harbour and Grangemouth, the Loch Lomond Flamingo Land development, to name just a few. If we're to stop special interests always crushing the interests of the people, we must demand our international human rights. That's why Respect Scottish Sovereignty (RSS) is urging as many as possible to sign PE2135, to enact the Direct Democracy/Self-Determination Covenant (ICCPR) into Scots law. Leah Gunn Barrett Edinburgh
The National
01-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Campaigner hits out at 'PR trick' nuclear energy poll of SNP members
Robin McAlpine, founder of pro-independence think tank Common Weal, has branded the polling a "PR trick based on deliberately withholding crucial information", claiming people who responded were not given "the basic facts". Polling for the campaign group Britain Remade, founded by a former energy adviser to Boris Johnson, found 52% of those who voted for the party in 2021 believe nuclear power should be included in Scotland's energy mix to meet the 2045 net zero target. Meanwhile, 57% of those who voted for the party in last year's general election felt the same way, the poll found. READ MORE: Nigel Farage says he 'doesn't want' NHS to be publicly funded A total of 56% of Scots thought nuclear power should be part of Scotland's clean energy mix to meet the targets, while 23% disagreed, and 21% said they did not know. Opinium surveyed 1000 Scottish adults between April 22 and 25. However, McAlpine argues those quizzed on the topic were not aware of key points as laid out in a blog post for pro-independence Common Weal Common Weal. He highlights the price of hydrogen electricity being cheaper than nuclear, as well as the hidden costs of building and decommissioning nuclear infrastructure. "Would SNP voters back nuclear if it was explained that it will cost them three times as much as renewables and then also cost nearly £5000 per household just to clean them up?" McAlpine told The National. READ MORE: Warning as 100,000 Scots face disruption and higher bills over meter switch off He further questioned: "Do people know that it is much cheaper to run a renewable system with battery storage for short-term load balancing and hydrogen storage for long term battery storage? Are they aware that you can't turn nuclear power on and off and that it has to run at full power all the time? So it can't balance renewables when the wind isn't blowing, it can only displace renewables from the grid. "The only conceivable purpose of nuclear in Britain is to power the south of England. Look at Fukushima, look at the power stations in Ukraine, how much risk do you want to take when you have absolutely no need to do it? "If people are told 'more expensive, much more dangerous, can't be switched up or down or turned off, costs an absolute fortune to decommission at the end', I think you'll find they answer differently." The SNP have argued nuclear power projects remain too expensive to be a viable alternative to renewable power. READ MORE: UK wants to build new nuclear plants in Scotland, Ed Miliband says Responding to the polling, SNP MSP Bill Kidd said: 'Our focus is delivering a just transition that supports communities and creates long-term economic opportunities to build a truly sustainable future. 'Nuclear remains one of the most costly forms of energy with projects like Hinkley Point C running billions over budget and years behind schedule. 'In contrast, Scotland's net zero transition is already delivering thousands of green jobs across energy, construction, innovation, and engineering. This number will continue to grow. 'Simply, renewables are cheaper to produce and develop, create more jobs, and are safer than nuclear as they don't leave behind radioactive waste that will be deadly for generations. 'While Labour funnels billions into slow, centralised projects, the SNP is focused on creating real, sustainable jobs in Scotland now.'
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
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.'
The National
01-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Poll: Around half of SNP voters back nuclear power in energy mix
Polling for the campaign group Britain Remade found 52% of those who voted for the party in 2021 believe nuclear power should be included in Scotland's energy mix to meet the 2045 net zero target. Meanwhile, 57% of those who voted for the party in last year's general election felt the same way, the poll found. READ MORE: 'Panic' change of nuclear policy would make 'SNP as bad as Tories', MSP warns A total of 56% of Scots thought nuclear power should be part of Scotland's clean energy mix to meet the targets, while 23% disagreed, and 21% said they did not know. Opinium surveyed 1,000 Scottish adults between April 22 and 25. Britain Remade describes itself as a grassroots campaign for economic growth. Founder Sam Richards said: 'The message from our polling is clear: when it comes to safe and reliable nuclear power, the SNP is not just out of step with the majority of Scots – they're at odds with a huge number of their own supporters. 'It's time for the SNP to stop saying 'no' to new nuclear and start listening to the people, the experts, and the communities who know what's at stake. 'Investing in a new generation of nuclear power is not just critical if Scotland is to hit its 2045 net zero target – it is essential for Scotland's economy. Grangemouth could be transformed by SMR (small modular reactor) technology, but the SNP's opposition is standing in the way.' Torness nuclear reactor Scotland has one remaining active nuclear reactor, at Torness in East Lothian, which is due to shut down in 2030. Last week the deactivated Hunterston B power station was declared 'nuclear free' as all fuel elements were removed ahead of decommissioning. Despite the polling, the SNP argued nuclear power projects remain too expensive to be a viable alternative to renewable power. SNP MSP Bill Kidd said: 'Our focus is delivering a just transition that supports communities and creates long-term economic opportunities to build a truly sustainable future. 'Nuclear remains one of the most costly forms of energy with projects like Hinkley Point C running billions over budget and years behind schedule. 'In contrast, Scotland's net zero transition is already delivering thousands of green jobs across energy, construction, innovation, and engineering. This number will continue to grow. 'Simply, renewables are cheaper to produce and develop, create more jobs, and are safer than nuclear as they don't leave behind radioactive waste that will be deadly for generations. 'While Labour funnels billions into slow, centralised projects, the SNP is focused on creating real, sustainable jobs in Scotland now.' READ MORE: 'Gaza is the story': Musicians rally around Kneecap after 'kill your MP' footage Commenting on the poll, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: 'The Scottish Government has a long-standing opposition to nuclear power, and that means investment, jobs and opportunities for Scottish communities will continue to head south. 'The Scottish Government should stop blocking this investment, allow those jobs to be created, and let that revenue flow into Scotland and work in partnership with the UK Government to deliver it.' Labour MSP Martin Whitfield said: '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. 'A Scottish Labour Government will end the block on new nuclear, delivering zero carbon nuclear energy, kickstarting economic growth and bringing significant investment into East Lothian and the rest of Scotland.' Conservative MP John Lamont said: 'It's absolutely ridiculous for the Nationalists to ignore the majority of Scots who support the use of more nuclear power, especially since it is clean energy that doesn't harm the environment.'
