The Celtic League General Secretary, Rhisiart Tal-e-bot, has written to the Scottish Government asking a number of questions about possible new nuclear power plants in Scotland.
The Celtic League AGM held in Cardiff earlier this year reaffirmed the Celtic League's opposition to the construction of any new nuclear power plants in the Celtic countries.
The full text of the General Secretary's letter to Scottish Enterprise Minister Jim Mather is set out below:
Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism
Dear Minister Jim Mather MSP
At its 2007 AGM in Caerdydd/Cardiff, the Celtic League unanimously passed the following resolution:
"The Celtic League, being a long term campaigner against nuclear energy, reiterates its position by the rejection of the building of new nuclear power stations in the Celtic countries. In addition the CL looks forward to the decommissioning of existing nuclear power stations in Wylfa, Wales and Dounreay, Hunterston B Power Station and Torness nuclear power station in Scotland. We note and commend the present Scottish Government's opposition to new nuclear installations."
The League has passed anti nuclear resolutions in the past and we have always campaigned to keep the Celtic countries free from the risks of nuclear energy. We passed this resolution in order to reaffirm our anti nuclear commitment of ridding the Celtic countries of their nuclear installations. In this respect we commend and warmly welcome the present Scottish Government's opposition to new nuclear installations.
We do nevertheless have several questions that we would like to ask:
Does the Scottish Government's opposition to new nuclear installations extend to existing plants and if so do you have future plans to decommission the installations at Dounreay, Hunterston B and Torness?
What power does the Scottish Government have to block future plans from Westminster to build a new generation of power stations in Scotland if it so wished?
Taking into consideration the consequences that the Windscale fire at Sellafield power station had on some communities in Scotland and the general risks posed to the people of Scotland and the environment by the continued existence of the plant, does the present Scottish Government back the Irish and Manx Governmental commitments for the closure of the plant?
The Celtic League believes that the negative consequences of nuclear power far outweigh the reasons for its continued existence. However, what alternative plans does your Government have in meeting Scotland's energy needs in the future?
The Celtic League plans to take up some of the issues raised here with the Governments in the other Celtic countries and England. We would therefore appreciate your full consideration in these matters.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely
Rhisiart Tal-e-bot
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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
16/10/07
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