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THE SCOTTISH CONSERVATIVES have been criticised for announcing that they would build two new nuclear power plants as part of their energy strategy released yesterday (Wednesday 22 February).

Opposing parties have expressed grave concerns over the affect the plans for new stations at Hunterston and Torness will have on the environment and the safety of Scotland’s energy supply.

Hunterston and Torness are already the site of two plants which are seeing out their extended operational lives until around 2024.The two new facilities would be bulit near the existing nuclear sites in Ayrshire and East Lothian.

The policy proposals come at a time when the UK Conservative Government has received heavy criticism for its consistent withdrawl of financial support for Scottish renewable energy through cuts to subsidies.

 

Nuclear Tweet

Commenting on the proposals, Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP, Christina McKelvie told CommonSpace: “The proposals from the Tories to build two new nuclear stations, without any costed proposals or even a single mention of Scotland’s other energy and wind power capabilities, is actually a very fitting tribute to their party – out of touch, archaic and regressive.

“Unlike the Tories, the Scottish Government takes seriously their commitment to the environment. The SNP has already met its 2020 target of 42 per cent emissions reductions - 6 years early – in addition to the new Climate Change, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 66 per cent by 2032.

“Whilst her party continues their relentless austerity drive, it’s beggar’s belief that Ruth Davidson runs the risk of going nuclear, without a single proposal on how much this would cost to the people of Scotland, or the subsequent environmental impact."