This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/6675501.stm
The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Most MSPs 'against' new nuclear | Most MSPs 'against' new nuclear |
(20 minutes later) | |
The issue of nuclear power could create a political clash between MPs and MSPs this week. | The issue of nuclear power could create a political clash between MPs and MSPs this week. |
Most of the Scottish Parliament is opposed to nuclear power, according to a survey by environmental pressure group Friends of the Earth Scotland. | Most of the Scottish Parliament is opposed to nuclear power, according to a survey by environmental pressure group Friends of the Earth Scotland. |
However, the UK government is expected to promote new nuclear stations in a white paper at Westminster. | However, the UK government is expected to promote new nuclear stations in a white paper at Westminster. |
The survey found 72 of the 99 new MSPs who responded opposed building new nuclear power stations in Scotland. | The survey found 72 of the 99 new MSPs who responded opposed building new nuclear power stations in Scotland. |
It found 24 supported new nuclear and three were undecided. | It found 24 supported new nuclear and three were undecided. |
Thirty MSPs did not respond. | Thirty MSPs did not respond. |
'White elephant' | 'White elephant' |
Friends of the Earth Scotland's chief executive Duncan McLaren said the demolition of the cooling towers at the Chapelcross plant should mark the end for nuclear power in Scotland. | Friends of the Earth Scotland's chief executive Duncan McLaren said the demolition of the cooling towers at the Chapelcross plant should mark the end for nuclear power in Scotland. |
He said: "The closure and clean-up of Chapelcross should intensify our drive for increased energy efficiency and clean renewables, not a return to polluting and expensive nuclear. | He said: "The closure and clean-up of Chapelcross should intensify our drive for increased energy efficiency and clean renewables, not a return to polluting and expensive nuclear. |
"The results of our survey couldn't be clearer - new nuclear power stations are not welcome in Scotland. Like the public, the majority of MSPs realise that nuclear power is nothing other than a white elephant. | "The results of our survey couldn't be clearer - new nuclear power stations are not welcome in Scotland. Like the public, the majority of MSPs realise that nuclear power is nothing other than a white elephant. |
"Any attempt to foist new nuclear power on Scotland would be an expensive, ineffective and risky distraction from sensible measures to address climate change." | "Any attempt to foist new nuclear power on Scotland would be an expensive, ineffective and risky distraction from sensible measures to address climate change." |
Chapelcross nuclear plant in Dumfries and Galloway is being decommissioned after operating for almost half a century. | Chapelcross nuclear plant in Dumfries and Galloway is being decommissioned after operating for almost half a century. |
Towers at Chapelcross were demolished over the weekend | |
More than a third of the electricity generated in Scotland comes from its two remaining nuclear power stations. | More than a third of the electricity generated in Scotland comes from its two remaining nuclear power stations. |
Hunterston B in Ayrshire is due to close in 2011 but could be kept open for a further decade to plug the energy gap. | Hunterston B in Ayrshire is due to close in 2011 but could be kept open for a further decade to plug the energy gap. |
Torness in East Lothian is expected to stay open until 2023. | Torness in East Lothian is expected to stay open until 2023. |
To compile its survey, FoE Scotland wrote to MSPs on three occasions over the past year. | To compile its survey, FoE Scotland wrote to MSPs on three occasions over the past year. |
It first asked MSPs for their views last year on the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. | It first asked MSPs for their views last year on the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. |
Before the election, FOE asked for the views of all candidates and after the Holyrood poll it sought the views of any MSPs who had not responded. | Before the election, FOE asked for the views of all candidates and after the Holyrood poll it sought the views of any MSPs who had not responded. |