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Flashpoint as Calman tests SNP nuclear veto – Scotsman.com News

Flashpoint as Calman tests SNP nuclear veto 

NEWS.scotsman.com By HAMISH MACDONELL

Scottish Political Editor  4 December 2008

SCOTLAND could lose its veto over a new generation of nuclear power stations, it emerged last night following a major report into the devolution settlement.

The Calman Commission – set up to look into the powers of the Scottish Parliament – warned yesterday of “friction” between London and Holyrood over nuclear power and said the issue had to be resolved.

Its report did not come up with a conclusion, but suggested that the issue had to be sorted out without disrupting the UK supply network – a statement which the Nationalists interpreted as a clear threat to Scotland’s veto………………………..Energy policy is reserved to Westminster and, as the UK government has a pro-nuclear policy, it should be able to press ahead with new nuclear stations in Scotland.

However, the Scottish Government has the final say over any major electricity generating stations through planning legislation which gives it an effective veto over any new nuclear stations.

This ability to block any new stations has angered UK ministers, who believe they should be able to site new nuclear stations in Scotland.

nt as Calman tests SNP nuclear veto – Scotsman.com News

 

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December 4, 2008 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics