The SNP is under pressure to rethink its long-standing opposition to nuclear power as new polling shows most Scots – including a majority of SNP voters – now support it.
According to a survey by Opinium for pro-growth group Britain Remade, 52% of those who backed the SNP in 2021 want nuclear included in Scotland’s energy mix to hit the 2045 net zero target. Only 33% oppose it while 15% are unsure.
Among all Scottish adults, 56% support nuclear as a way to cut carbon emissions and secure energy supply.
The findings come as Britain Remade launches a new campaign urging the SNP to drop its anti-nuclear stance – 66 years after Scotland’s first nuclear plant at Chapelcross began generating power.
Scotland has strong renewable resources – wind, wave, solar and hydro – but critics say that’s not enough. When the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow, the gap is filled by fossil fuels.
“The message from our polling is clear: when it comes to safe and reliable nuclear power, the SNP is not just out of step with the majority of Scots – they’re at odds with a huge number of their own supporters.”
Sam Richards, founder of Britain Remade
“It’s time for the SNP to stop saying ‘no’ to new nuclear and start listening to the people, the experts and the communities who know what’s at stake.”
EDF recently extended the life of the Torness plant until at least 2030 but after that the future of nuclear in Scotland is uncertain.
“Investing in a new generation of nuclear power is not just critical if Scotland is to hit its 2045 net zero target – it is essential for Scotland’s economy. Grangemouth could be transformed by SMR technology but the SNP’s opposition is standing in the way, ” concluded Mr Richards.
His view was backed by Labour MSP Martin Whitfield who added: “This senseless policy is harming our energy security, economic potential and hampering our ability to deliver on Scotland’s climate change commitments.
“A Scottish Labour Government will end the block on new nuclear, delivering zero carbon nuclear energy, kickstarting economic growth and bringing significant investment into East Lothian and the rest of Scotland.”
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