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Poll
reveals clear majority in favour of
nuclear new-build.
These figures reflect the debate that has been going
on over the past year which has confirmed how inadequate the old arguments
and prejudices surrounding this issue now are.
Allan Wilson, MSP for
Cunninghame North, has welcomed a new opinion poll which shows a clear
majority of Scots in favour of replacing existing nuclear power stations
with new-build.
The poll, for the Sunday Times Scotland, revealed a 45-37 per cent majority
in favour of nuclear new-build in order to maintain security of electricity
supply.
Mr Wilson said: "These figures reflect the debate that has been going on
over the past year which has confirmed how inadequate the old arguments and
prejudices surrounding this issue now are.
"We need a balanced energy policy that includes all forms of generation and
which also respects the duty to achieve carbon reductions. I have never
understood how that imperative is compatible with closing down our only
significant existing sources of carbon-free electricity."
He said that it was up to the private sector to decide whether or not to
apply for a Hunterston C and it was unlikely that this would happen in the
near future.
"However," Mr Wilson added, "it is clear that public opinion is moving
rapidly towards a balanced energy policy. By the time decisions have to be
taken about replacing existing nuclear stations, possibly after life
extensions, the public response will be based on energy and environmental
issues rather than the emotive arguments of our opponents".
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