Murray to lead debate on the future of nuclear energy in Scotland

Susan Murray, Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dunbartonshire and Scottish Affairs spokesperson has secured a debate in Parliament on the future of nuclear energy in Scotland. Mr Murray is expected to call on the UK Government to meet the Scottish Government, industry representatives, unions and communities to discuss what new nuclear power could bring to Scotland.

The Westminster Hall debate will take place at 4:30pm on Wednesday 14 October.

Ms Murray is the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Scotland. The debate comes as the UK nuclear workforce has passed 100,000 for the first time, while Scotland saw the smallest growth in nuclear jobs of any part of the UK last year. The Scottish Government opposes new nuclear power stations and uses its planning powers to block them. Torness, Scotland’s last working nuclear power station, is due to stop generating in 2030.

Ms Murray said:

“I am pleased to have secured this debate on such an important topic. Nuclear is creating thousands of well-paid jobs across the UK. These are skilled jobs, and they are exactly what our young people are crying out for.

“Wales is grabbing this opportunity with both hands and is set to host the UK’s first small modular reactors. But in Scotland, the SNP Government has ruled out new nuclear altogether. Young Scots should not miss out on these careers because of the SNP’s political games.

“With Torness due to close in 2030, we need a serious plan for Scotland’s energy future. That is why I will be asking the Minister to bring the Scottish Government, industry representatives, unions and communities around the table to talk about the future of nuclear power in Scotland in a pragmatic and sensible way.

“Clean nuclear energy is on the rise. The only question is whether Scotland gets the investment, the jobs and the energy security, or watches it all happen somewhere else.”