Key Takeaways
- Keir Starmer accuses SNP of “bottling it” on nuclear energy, costing Scotland jobs
- Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar promises to lift nuclear ban if elected in 2026
- SNP maintains opposition, citing cost, safety and waste concerns
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Scottish First Minister John Swinney to end Scotland’s nuclear energy ban, accusing the SNP of causing jobs to “vanish” through their opposition policy.
The Labour leader made the comments after announcing the UK’s first small modular reactor in Wales, declaring Britain is “entering a new age of nuclear power.”
Labour’s Nuclear Push
Sir Keir stated: “For years, the Tory government in Westminster and the SNP government in Scotland bottled it on nuclear. They talked big, delivered little, and left the country exposed.”
He emphasized that communities have “paid the price” as “jobs vanish and ambition withers.” The Labour leader criticized the SNP for focusing on “yesterday’s arguments on independence” instead of nuclear opportunities.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar echoed these sentiments, accusing the First Minister of “student politics” and promising to end the nuclear ban if he becomes first minister after the 2026 Holyrood election.
Economic Impact Claims
Labour argues the Scottish Government’s no-nuclear policy is costing the country thousands of jobs and billions in investment. Mr Sarwar stated Scotland is “full of potential for new nuclear projects” but is being prevented from benefiting due to “SNP incompetence.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband revealed that a Scottish Labour government would invite nuclear industry leaders to Scotland on the first day of administration to push for new reactors.
SNP’s Stance and Response
The Scottish Government has consistently opposed new nuclear power stations, with planning control giving ministers an effective veto. SNP ministers have raised concerns about project costs, construction timelines, and safety issues around nuclear waste.
Responding to Labour’s comments, Paul McLennan MSP defended the SNP position: “Expensive new nuclear power stations will push bills up even higher, take years to build and leave us dealing with dangerous waste for years to come.”
He argued Scotland has “abundance of clean energy resources” and needs “the fresh start of independence” rather than nuclear power.
