By Steve Bargeton, political editor

FIRST MINISTER Jack McConnell came under renewed pressure yesterday to back the construction of new nuclear power stations in Scotland.

At a major conference on future energy needs he was warned bluntly that sitting on the fence was no longer an option and that “decisions need to be taken now”.

But Mr McConnell said there had to be a debate about the future of energy and as part of that announced he would be embarking on a major tour of power stations across Scotland.

Asked why the First Minister felt the need to visit power stations his official spokesman said, “He does like to get out and about. He will hear at first hand about the various complicated issues.”

At yesterday’s conference in Edinburgh, Amicus trade union general secretary Derek Simpson called for action on nuclear energy from the Scottish Executive. The call follows similar appeals by the Scottish TUC and by the Scottish Labour Party’s annual conference.

Although energy is reserved to Westminster, Holyrood has responsibility for planning and powers of consent over the construction of any major new power station.

Mr McConnell had consistently argued that no more nuclear stations should be built until the question of nuclear waste has been resolved.

The future of nuclear energy in Scotland is certain to be a major issue in the Holyrood election in May next year.

But Mr Simpson told the conference that the First Minister had to face the realities of the situation.

“I know the First Minister has expressed concern that we must deal with the problem of nuclear waste before we make any decision about building new nuclear stations,” he said.

“Well, that’s a valid point and one that I share—I wouldn’t want a nuclear power station built in my back yard any more than anyone else, but we have to balance some realities.”

He told the conference that renewables could meet only 10% of the UK’s energy needs, and clean coal and nuclear were needed as part of a balanced approach.

“Decisions need to be taken now because the experts tell us you can’t wait until you need it before you decide to start to build a new nuclear power station,” he said.

A similar appeal for early policy decisions came from another speaker at the conference, Bill Coley, chief executive of the nuclear power station company British Energy.

He told delegates, “The technology is not the issue—the issue of waste is a policy issue.

“There are several ways to deal with waste as far as technology is concerned.”

Mr Coley continued, “We all simply have to take a decision about where we are going to put it.”

But the First Minister insisted there was still a national debate to be had on the future of nuclear power and that there were powerful arguments on both sides.

“Those who are in favour of new-build nuclear power stations must understand that any government taking their responsibilities and their powers seriously wants to be able to answer the question before we build new nuclear generation—how will you protect future generations from even the current legacy of nuclear waste?” he said.

“And those who oppose nuclear in any form need to understand that a government taking its responsibilities and powers seriously must be able to answer another question—how will you keep business going and homes warm when nuclear power runs out, without increasing carbon emissions?

“The only way in which that solution can be developed is if we have a genuine debate…that deals with facts and realities.”

Friends of the Earth chief executive Duncan McLaren criticised Amicus. “Nuclear power should not be allowed to form part of this country’s future energy mix. Instead of calling for the wasting of any more taxpayers’ money on dirty and dangerous nuclear power, Amicus should be demanding greater investment and jobs in cleaner industries such as renewables and energy conservation.”