Scottish households will see their energy bills rise as the Labour Government imposes what the SNP has branded a “toxic nuclear tax” to fund England’s Sizewell C power station.
The controversial scheme means Scots will pay hundreds of millions over the next decade towards the soaring cost of a nuclear plant they neither need nor use.
Independent analysis from the House of Commons Library suggests the policy will cost Scottish bill payers around £300 million over ten years, though experts warn the real figure could climb much higher as costs continue to spiral.
The Sizewell C project in Suffolk has already doubled in cost to around £48 billion, overtaking Hinkley Point C as the most expensive nuclear power plant in the world.
The move comes despite Labour’s pre-election pledge to reduce household energy bills by £300, a promise now overshadowed by the reality of rising costs.
SNP Energy spokesperson Graham Leadbitter MP said the plan was “a direct hit on Scottish consumers” and “an insult to Scotland’s renewable future.”
“The injustice of Scots picking up the tab for a nuclear power plant in England is plain for all to see,” he said.
“Far from cutting energy bills, the Labour Government is hiking them for a nuclear plant Scotland neither needs nor wants.”
He said Scotland produces more renewable electricity than it can use and that the country’s future lies in clean, sustainable energy, not costly nuclear projects.
“These toxic white elephants are irrelevant to Scotland,” he said.
“Our energy future is in renewables, closer ties with Europe, and harnessing our offshore expertise to deliver real energy security, not in over-budget, wasteful English nuclear projects.”
Anas Sarwar, who has been a vocal supporter of nuclear power, has faced criticism for remaining silent on the latest cost surge and its impact on Scottish consumers.
“The Labour Party promised they’d cut energy bills by £300,” Leadbitter added.
“Instead, they’ve soared on their watch.
“Now we have the absurd situation where Scottish households are paying a decade-long ‘nuclear tax’.
“It’s no wonder more people are concluding Scotland needs a fresh start with independence.”
The Sizewell C project has been dogged by cost overruns and environmental concerns, with campaigners warning that the scheme risks diverting investment away from renewables at a time when clean energy development in Scotland is thriving.
