Scots Labour MP warns small nuclear sites could draw Russian attacks on Scotland
Labour MP Brian Leishman told a Westminster Hall debate that building small nuclear reactors in Scotland would make local communities targets for Russia and would not quickly lower energy bills.
In a Westminster Hall debate, Labour MP Brian Leishman warned that the UK’s proposal to locate small modular nuclear reactors in Scotland could expose local communities to Russian targeting, referencing recent attacks on nuclear sites in Ukraine. He criticized the massive construction expenses, pointing to the escalating cost of Hinkley Point C from an initial £18 billion to £32 billion, and argued that nuclear projects are far more expensive than renewable alternatives favored by the Scottish National Party.
Leishman noted that building a reactor typically requires between ten and nineteen years, meaning nuclear would not alleviate current household energy bills. He also mentioned the Scottish government’s planning authority has blocked the nuclear plans, while the UK government continues to identify sites such as Torness, Hunterston and Dounreay for potential development. The debate comes as the Conservatives consider legislation to override the SNP’s ban, though Labour’s energy minister Michael Shanks has dismissed the idea of Westminster overriding Holyrood. Leishman concluded that the financial and security risks outweigh any perceived benefits of nuclear expansion in Scotland.
Why it matters
The debate highlights security and cost concerns over nuclear expansion in Scotland, affecting energy policy and regional relations with the UK government.
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