EURATOM EXIT RAISES CONCERNS OVER THE FUTURE OF NUCLEAR SAFETY

EURATOM EXIT RAISES CONCERNS OVER THE FUTURE OF NUCLEAR SAFETY

Patricia Gibson MP has said that the UK government’s exit from Euratom raises serious questions over the future of nuclear safety, stating that the six page position paper provides little certainty to governments and industry.

Patricia Gibson said

"The SNP Government has reiterated calls for Scotland’s preference to remain as full members of Euratom and that if that is not possible, for the UK to seek associate membership.

"While we welcome the broad commitment to retain a good relationship with our European partners, the report fails to stipulate how the UK will go about negotiating this, or what this deal would look like.

“The SNP recognises that Scotland still has working nuclear power stations, including Hunterston in my own constituency.

"The nuclear policies of successive UK governments have left a legacy of nuclear waste and we have a responsibility to ensure that this is properly and safely managed.

"The Nuclear Materials and Safeguards Issues paper does not guarantee that any exit from the nuclear body will have full involvement of the devolved administrations. Scotland must be given a guarantee over powers on regulation over waste and emissions to avoid any imposed UK policy framework that would be detrimental to Scotland’s interests.

"Setting out a robust safeguarding strategy is critical to UK energy security, scientific research and medicine.

"Once again we find ourselves facing the next chapter in the chaos the Tories are imposing when it comes to the UK government's plans for leaving the EU.

"If the Prime Minister is genuine in her calls for compromise and her pledge for a UK-wide approach then we look forward to the SNP Government's full involvement in the negotiations over the future of the UK's nuclear strategy."

ENDS