Latest news with #SamRichards
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
Scottish Sun
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Nats chiefs told to follow Danes and back nuclear power
Denmark has been used by SNP ministers to demonstrate the possible benefits of Scottish independence Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SNP ministers were last night urged to follow one of their model countries for independence - by u-turning on their opposition to nuclear power. Nats chiefs have repeatedly claimed they're inspired by Denmark and other Nordic nations as templates for how Scotland could go it alone. 2 Torness nuclear power station near Dunbar, East Lothian Credit: Alamy 2 First Minister John Swinney has been urged to ditch the SNP's opposition to nuclear power Credit: PA And last night the SNP were urged to follow the Danes after the Copenhagen government signalled last week it would axe its decades-old opposition to nuclear power. The issue is on the agenda in Scotland amid UK Government plans for a new breed of 'clean' reactors as part of a bid to cut bills to ensure energy security. But the Scottish Government has vowed to block any in Scotland, despite polls signalling public backing. Sam Richards, founder of pro-growth campaign group Britain Remade, said: 'Denmark is just the latest country waking up to reality - meanwhile, the SNP continues to bury its head in the sand. Find out what's really going on Register now for our free weekly politics newsletter for an insightful and irreverent look at the (sometimes excruciating) world of Scottish Politics. Every Thursday our hotshot politics team goes behind the headlines to bring you a rundown of key events - plus insights and gossip from the corridors of power, including a 'Plonker' and 'Star' of the Week. Sign up now and make sure you don't miss a beat. The politicians would hate that. SIGN UP FOR FREE NOW 'At a time when countries across Europe are embracing nuclear as a safe, clean, and reliable part of the energy mix, Scotland's refusal to even consider it is deeply irresponsible. 'If Denmark can move on from a 40-year-old ban, so can Scotland. It's time for the SNP to ditch the dogma and put the needs of the Scottish people, the economy and energy security first.' Scottish Conservative shadow energy secretary Douglas Lumsden MSP said: 'Everyone appears to be showing some common sense and backing nuclear energy except the SNP. Moment John Swinney is heckled by Reform UK campaigners as FM breezes past warring activists heads of Hamilton by-election 'They are totally out-of-touch from the views of mainstream Scotland and it appears countries they claim to be inspired by. 'Nuclear power would slash bills for families and it is time the SNP embraced it to protect both the economy and the environment.' Denmark's government has said it's considering lifting a 40-year-old ban on nuclear power to boost its energy security. It follows a similar shift in Sweden in 2010, when it reversed its plan to phase out nuclear power. And last week Germany also dropped its long-held opposition to nuclear power. Denmark and other Nordic nations are repeatedly cited in the SNP Government's 'Building a New Scotland' papers released in recent years as a model for what an independent Scotland could be like, in terms of economic and social policies. Nicola Sturgeon opened a Scottish Government's Nordic Office in Copenhagen in 2022 pledged to work with Denmark and others to 'work together to accelerate decarbonisation and share expertise.' Our last nuclear station at Torness, Lothian, is set to shut in 2030. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'New nuclear power would be expensive, will take years to become operational and involves significant environmental concerns due to the radioactive waste which must be safely managed over many decades. 'The Scottish Government is focused on supporting growth and creating jobs by capitalising on Scotland's immense renewable energy capacity rather than the distraction of new nuclear.'
Business Mayor
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Energy bills in Great Britain could fall this summer but ‘crisis not over'
Household energy bills could drop this summer but experts have warned that 'the crisis is not over' for households and manufacturers struggling to afford gas and electricity costs. The industry regulator's quarterly price cap is expected to fall in July by an average of £129, or 7%, according to forecasts from Cornwall Insight, a leading energy consultancy. It has predicted that the cap will fall to £1,720 a year for a typical dual-fuel household this summer, from £1,849 under the current limits. The modest drop would return the energy price cap to its levels at the beginning of the year – but this is still about 60% higher than where the cap was set in the summer before Russia's invasion of Ukraine caused a global energy market surge. Britain's gas and electricity prices have remained some of the highest in the world, in large part due to reliance on gas for generating electricity and in home heating, which has led to record high levels of household energy debt and a sharp slump in industrial activity. The output from Britain's energy intensive industries has fallen by a third since 2021, according to official government figures published on Monday, and is now at its lowest level since 1990. Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have revealed that the average electricity price for companies and manufacturers rose by 90% at the peak of the global energy crisis in 2023, and were still 75% higher at end of 2024 compared with costs in 2021. Gas prices have taken an even greater toll on non-domestic energy users. Costs surged by 187% at the peak of the crisis, according to the ONS, but remained 120% higher than pre-crisis levels at the end of last year. 'These figures are a wake-up call,' according to Sam Richards, the chief executive of Britain Remade, a pro-growth lobby group. 'Sky-high energy costs have gutted Britain's industrial base, with output in sectors like steel and chemicals collapsing to record lows. If we're serious about protecting jobs and rebuilding our manufacturing strength, we need to cut industrial electricity costs, and fast.' Figures published last week by the ONS warned that households are struggling with energy costs too. A record proportion of households were unable to pay their energy bills by direct debit last month because there was not enough money in their bank accounts. The watchdog for Great Britain, Ofgem, is expected to set out the next cap, which reflects the average annual dual-fuel bill for about 29 million households, on Friday before it takes effect from July until the end of September. The latest estimate from Cornwall marks a small rise from its previous forecast of £1,683 a year, which the analyst said was partly due to increases in energy wholesale markets. skip past newsletter promotion Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. after newsletter promotion Dr Craig Lowery, a consultant at Cornwall, said energy bills were still too high for many. 'Prices are falling, but not by enough for the numerous households struggling under the weight of a cost of living crisis, and bills remain well above the levels seen at the start of the decade,' he added. 'The fall is also a clear reminder of just how volatile the energy market remains – if prices can go down, they can bounce back up, especially with the unsettled global economic and political landscape we are experiencing. This is not the moment for complacency.' Jess Ralston, an analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said: 'Predicted falls in energy bills simply cancel out recent rises, meaning the crisis is not over for bill payers who are still struggling with gas prices significantly above pre-crisis levels. 'Costs of oil and gas will always be volatile and can be manipulated by foreign actors like Putin, but every home that is insulated and has a heat pump installed reduces our gas demand and so exposure to these geopolitically vulnerable markets.' Cornwall expects that the price cap will fall again in October, followed by another drop in January, although this is subject to several varying factors, including weather patterns, the impact of the war in Ukraine and EU gas storage rules.
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.'
Telegraph
15-04-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Green projects to skip queue for grid connections
Green projects will skip the queue for connections to the electricity grid in a bid to boost growth. Solar farms and wind turbines can currently wait up to 15 years to secure connections to the grid, under a first-come-first-served system. The queue is clogged up by so-called 'zombie projects' that are not yet built but have priority to be connected, slowing down other developments. Under Government plans to stimulate growth, green projects, as well as those that are strategically beneficial such as AI data centres, will be able to jump to the front of the queue. Projects that are not ready or 'not aligned with strategic plans' will be de-prioritised in reforms the Government says will help unlock £40 billion a year of mainly private investment. 'Too many companies are facing gridlock because they cannot get the clean energy they need to drive growth and create jobs,' said Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary. 'These changes will axe 'zombie' projects and cut the time it takes to get high-growth firms online while also fast-tracking connections for companies delivering homegrown power and energy security through our Plan for Change.' The plans are part of the Government's push to secure a green electricity grid by 2030, which include tripling solar power and doubling onshore wind. The Government also wants to encourage the growth of data centres to help make the UK a world leader in AI. Sam Richards, the CEO of pro-growth campaign group Britain Remade, welcomed the move but said the Government could not run the grid queue forever. 'It's ridiculous that projects which will never get off the ground are allowed to squat in the grid queue year after year, simply by paying a few thousand pounds, while much needed new energy sources and growth-driving AI data centres are forced to wait years for a connection,' he said. 'But the Government can't run the queue forever and should look at introducing more market mechanisms to allow priority projects to bid to move up the line – without this hundreds of millions of pounds will be wasted paying wind turbines to turn off while other clean-energy projects continue to languish in the queue.'
