It was among my earliest local visits after being elected as the MP for Lothian East constituency last year, when I was pleased to meet management and staff and learn more about the station’s work.
The 500-plus workforce at Torness clearly demonstrate the commitment of those working in the industry to delivering clean energy to millions of homes and businesses while maintaining the highest possible safety levels. We cannot thank them enough for the vital contribution they have made to our energy needs and to the local economy over the last 37 years.
However, as the plant nears the end of its generating lifetime, it is essential that the industry, decision-makers and local communities consider carefully what will come next for the site, and the jobs and apprenticeships it has provided for so long.
With demand for electricity set to at least double by 2050, we must explore all options for utilising low-carbon, homegrown power sources. The reliable, baseload power produced by nuclear makes it an essential part of that homegrown, clean energy mix.
However, as things stand, we have a Scottish Government that is committed to using its planning powers to block any new nuclear projects in Scotland. I do not believe this outdated SNP policy has ever made sense. It has held Scotland back and cost communities the jobs and investment they need.
Indeed, a recent poll demonstrated that the SNP is even out of step with most of its own supporters on this issue. According to the polling, more than half (52%) of those who voted SNP in 2021 believe nuclear power should be part of the energy mix to support the Scottish Government to reach its 2045 net-zero target.
But the SNP’s opposition means Scotland is also now at risk of missing out on its share of the billions of pounds of investment and thousands of new jobs that are set to be created by the UK Government’s commitment to a new era of nuclear power.
Douglas Alexander, Lothian East MP
That UK Government investment, which includes backing plans for developing small modular reactors with Rolls-Royce SMR, will help deliver the clean-energy future that our country needs, as well as supporting growth and high-skilled jobs for the next generation.
Across the UK, the nuclear workforce has already grown 35% since 2021 to a record 87,000. It contributes £20 billion to the economy and pays £9.1 bn in tax. The new investment programme is set to accelerate this growth and create even more jobs and opportunities.
A recent report from Oxford Economics showed the civil nuclear sector added £1.5bn to Scotland’s economy in 2024 – a rise of 32 per cent compared to 2021. More than 150 Scottish firms have won contracts for Hinkley Point C, worth £280 million.
£14.2bn has now been allocated to building Sizewell C, creating more opportunities for Scottish businesses. Just imagine what could be achieved in Scotland with a Scottish Government that actively supports a new generation of nuclear power projects.
Here in East Lothian, we have the potential to benefit from the existing skills and knowledge of those working at Torness by exploring options for continuing to generate nuclear power on the site. Why would we simply discard over 40 years of nuclear expertise and experience when there is the potential to build on that legacy?
Anas Sarwar has already been clear that a Scottish government led by him will reverse the SNP’s block on new nuclear projects in Scotland. That could help unlock opportunities at Torness and allow the site to continue contributing to a clean power system that will deliver energy security, good jobs and growth, and support efforts to tackle the climate crisis.
As the local MP, I am committed to working with the industry, trade unions, both of Scotland’s governments and the local community to pursue this option in the years ahead.
If there is any possibility of continuing to generate clean nuclear power, provide skilled jobs and boost the local economy, we should do everything we can to make sure it happens.
To do otherwise would be to fail local workers, the local economy, and households and businesses across Scotland that need the reliable, clean electricity nuclear can provide.
