Jamie Stone highlights Caithness support for nuclear industry
Jamie Stone has again emphasised the level of support in Caithness for nuclear power.
At an event marking Nuclear Week in Parliament (NWiP), the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP spoke to Rolls-Royce about the possibility of a small modular reactor being built at Dounreay.
He also described the Scottish Government’s opposition to nuclear energy as “not a constructive way for Scotland to move forward”.
The Liberal Democrat MP attended a breakfast briefing hosted by the UK National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) on Tuesday.
NWiP showcases the role of nuclear technology in supporting the UK’s energy security and net-zero ambitions.
UKNNL is the lead civil national laboratory for nuclear fission.
The event also highlighted some of UKNNL’s research on public attitudes to nuclear energy. Polling has indicated that there is more understanding of, and support for, nuclear in areas where the industry has been a large employer.
Mr Stone said: “During the event I made it clear that Dounreay is a licensed site that has a highly skilled workforce, and that the local population is supportive of the nuclear industry.
“In particular I spoke with Rolls-Royce about the possibility of a small modular reactor being constructed at Dounreay.
“My conversations were encouraging and we agreed that they will continue in the future.
“I only wish that decision-makers in Holyrood would take the benefits of the nuclear industry into account. A blanket ban is not a constructive way for Scotland to move forward given the growing precariousness of our energy security.”
Dr Paul Howarth, chief executive officer of UKNNL, said: “I want to thank Jamie and fellow parliamentarians who took time out of their busy schedule to see how nuclear technology is making a difference for the people they represent.
“Nuclear is essential to meeting the UK's future energy and industrial needs. From safely managing and treating nuclear materials, to developing advanced fuels and supporting medical treatments, UKNNL is driving innovation across the nuclear sector.
“It’s really important that we keep the public informed and involved as nuclear’s role develops, so I’m pleased we had a chance to reflect on public perceptions of nuclear and the value it can bring to communities and the country as a whole.”
Mr Stone has previously described Caithness as “one of the most nuclear-sympathetic parts of the United Kingdom”.
The Scottish Government is opposed to the building of new nuclear stations using current technologies. It believes that nuclear power represents poor value for consumers.
Last week Mr Stone reported that he was making progress in his quest to see fusion energy being developed at Dounreay.
After pressing the UK government on the issue, he has been promised a meeting with the minister for climate, Kerry McCarthy.
She pledged continuing support for the fusion energy sector and acknowledged a need for “an increased footprint for fusion-related facilities”.
