Scottish politicians have been warned they run the risk of missing out on a new generation of nuclear power stations and the low-carbon electricity they generate without finalising plans to replace Hunterston B and Torness power plants.  

The warning, from the energy workers’ union GMB Scotland, comes as Cop26 gathers in Glasgow and the UK government brings forward legislation on a new funding mechanism for new nuclear build, with the second reading of the Nuclear Energy (Financing) Bill scheduled to take place in the House of Commons later today (Wednesday 3 November).

The UK government has announced legislation that will potentially fund a new nuclear programme, which is anticipated to start with Sizewell C, supporting the potential of 233,000 full-time equivalent jobs over the lifetime of the project, and more than 24,000 jobs during construction.