David Mundell
David Mundell is the pro-nuclear Conservative MP for for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, whose constituency includes the Chapelcross nuclear plant.
Mundell is a long-standing advocate for a new nuclear power station at Chapelcross to replace the one currrently being decommissioned. In November 2004, whislt still an MSP Mundell secured a "members’ business debate" in the Scottish Parliament on Chapelcross.
During the debate, Mundell said he "welcomed" the campaign by the nUKlear21 workers’ group "because I believe that it can make the idea of a new nuclear power station in Chapelcross a reality.� [1]
Just under a year later, when Blair announced the energy review
Local MP David Mundell has welcomed Chapelcross nuclear campaigner John Rogerson to Parliament in what he called a ‘very important week’ for the nuclear debate as the Scottish Labour Party announced a review of its policy on a new generation of power stations.
It emerged over the weekend that the Scottish Labour Party is planning to review its stance on the building of new nuclear power stations as part of an internal consultation. Previously the Labour-led coalition said it would not accept the construction of any new plants until the issue of waste was solved.
Mr Mundell said: “I very much welcome this apparent rethink by the Scottish Labour Party and hope this signals an end to suggestions that the Executive would use the devolved planning process to veto any new power stations in Scotland.
“I hope that as this review gets under way Scottish Labour have not ruled anything out when it comes to its energy policy. I also hope they will conclude that a new generation of nuclear power stations is the best way to ensure Scotland has an energy supply fit for the 21st century.
“Tony Blair has already shown signs of coming round to backing new nuclear power stations as a solution to energy shortages, so I hope Jack McConnell will follow suit. However, I think it’s regrettable that the Liberal Democrats are to remain opposed to new power stations, as they made clear in this week’s Westminster debate.
