Labour Nuclear Decision Reveals 'Mature Debate' to be a Sham
Sun., February 26, 2006. 12:29.
Delegates' decision to back new nuclear without a waste solution 'irresponsible'
As the Labour conference voted today for more nuclear power stations in Scotland, Green MSPs reacted with dismay and described support for nuclear power without resolving the waste problem as 'immature' and 'irresponsible'.
In addition, Greens say that despite calling for a 'mature debate' Labour politicians have been running away from answering the many other questions hanging over the prospect of new nuclear power stations.
Greens say huge questions remain over economic viability, safety, waste and the fact that cash for renewables and energy efficiency would be swallowed up by expensive nuclear power. Nuclear power also generates large quantities of climate gases in fuel mining, manufacture and waste handling which are rising all the time as finite quantities of high grade uranium ore are used up.
Chris Ballance MSP said: "This shows that at heart Labour is wedded to the nuclear dinosaur rather than the renewable technologies of the future. This vote for nuclear whilst there is still no solution to nuclear waste is irresponsible and immature. Whilst the Libdems at least try to hide their hypocrisy in postcodes, this is Labour hypocrisy on a national scale.
"There is no need to go nuclear, neither is it wanted by Scotland's people. We have renewable energy sources in abundance, and we have to get serious about reducing energy demand. There are also great economic opportunities to tackle runaway climate change. The arguments in favour of nuclear power do not stack up to scrutiny. I've even heard Labour MSPs describe nuclear as a clean form of power - that's ridiculous.
"At least people in Scotland now know that if they don't want nuclear power they are going to have to avoid Labour and their Libdem followers when they next get the chance."
On the green alternatives for a low-carbon and nuclear-free energy future for Scotland, Shiona Baird added: "The Scottish Green Party wants to see greatly increased use of renewable energy in Scotland. It is vital that we move towards a low carbon and nuclear-free economy to tackle climate change and pollution. The full range of renewable power sources should be used. Wave and tidal power, biomass, hydro, onshore and offshore wind, solar, geothermal heat, combined heat and power and microrenewable energy – all these and more, aided by reduced energy use through energy efficiency measures – can easily provide for Scotland’s needs.
"The Scottish Executive needs to provide many more incentives to these industries so that Scotland can also gain thousands of jobs and clean economic development. Nuclear power is an unsustainable, uneconomic technology from the past that is not wanted and not needed. A bright future lies ahead in renewable energy and energy efficiency if only the political will was there to do it properly."
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.