Labour Plans New Nuclear Power Sites in Scotland Post-2026 Election

UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has announced plans to push for new nuclear power stations in Scotland, contingent on a Labour victory in the 2026 Holyrood elections. Miliband stated that Scottish Labour, led by Anas Sarwar, would immediately engage with the global nuclear industry to explore investment opportunities at existing sites like Torness and Hunterston, aiming to create thousands of clean energy jobs. This initiative challenges the Scottish Government's longstanding opposition to new nuclear projects due to concerns over costs, construction timelines, and waste safety. The UK Government is also considering small modular reactors and investing in nuclear developments elsewhere, emphasizing nuclear power's role in energy security and net zero targets. However, planning powers remain devolved to Scotland, meaning any new projects require a change in the Scottish Government's stance, currently held by the SNP. Additionally, UK ministers have linked Scottish independence and the SNP's anti-nuclear stance to broader national security concerns, warning it could benefit Russian interests.