A Balanced Energy Policy

That the Parliament welcomes Her Majesty's Government’s action to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases; acknowledges that nuclear power has a role to play in a balanced energy policy; notes the excellent safety record of the nuclear power stations at Torness, Hunterston and Chapelcross; recognises that the Edinburgh-based British Energy injects £140 million into the Scottish economy per annum, generates 55% of Scotland’s electricity, provides 1,400 highly skilled jobs and supports another 3,500 jobs in Scotland; acknowledges the expertise of a workforce with long experience in the Scottish nuclear industry; notes that the STUC has, for the last 20 years, supported an energy policy with a nuclear component, and, subject to the construction of a permanent storage facility for nuclear waste, considers that there will be a case for the replacement of nuclear generating plant as an environmentally friendly source of electricity for the future.