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Large numbers of Scottish National Party supporters are at odds with the party on one of its defining policies: opposition to nuclear power.

The SNP has been staunchly against nuclear power since the 1970s, but new polling for pro-growth campaign group Britain Remade reveals that over half (52%) of those who voted for the party in 2021 believe nuclear power should be included in Scotland’s energy mix to meet the Scottish Government’s 2045 net zero target. A third (33%) remain opposed, while 15% are undecided.

A majority (56%) of all Scottish adults surveyed said they supported nuclear power as a means to reach net zero.

The polling coincides with Britain Remade launching a new campaign calling on the SNP to drop its opposition to nuclear power - 66 years after Scotland switched on its first nuclear power station at Chapelcross.

While Scotland is blessed with abundant renewable energy resources such as wind, wave, hydro, and solar, a clean, reliable energy source that’s always available - no matter the weather - is also needed.

Today, this backup is mostly provided by fossil fuels. If Scotland is serious about net zero, that has to change - and the only clean technology capable of providing constant, dependable power is nuclear.

In December, EDF announced plans to extend the operational lifespan of the Torness nuclear power station, securing the benefits of nuclear power for communities across Scotland until at least 2030. However, there is huge uncertainty for nuclear power in Scotland beyond that point.

The SNP’s continued refusal to support new nuclear projects could cost Scotland billions in investment, thousands of jobs, and the loss of specialist nuclear skills.

Failing to embrace Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) - which, due to their small size, can be built almost anywhere, including industrial sites and former coal-fired power stations - would also mean missing out on the economic benefits of this state-of-the-art energy technology.

Despite the Scottish Government’s opposition to new nuclear power sources, over half (53%) of Scottish National Party voters want to see this game-changing technology built north of the border.

That’s why Britain Remade is championing the construction of a new generation of nuclear power stations in Scotland as quickly as possible - ensuring nuclear remains a vital part of Scotland's energy mix, securing jobs, and maintaining energy security.

Sam Richards, Founder and Campaign Director for Britain Remade, said:

"The message from our polling is clear: when it comes to safe and reliable nuclear power, the SNP is not just out of step with the majority of Scots - they’re at odds with a huge number of their own supporters.

“It’s time for the SNP to stop saying 'no' to new nuclear and start listening to the people, the experts, and the communities who know what's at stake.

“Investing in a new generation of nuclear power is not just critical if Scotland is to hit its 2045 net zero target - it is essential for Scotland’s economy. Grangemouth could be transformed by SMR technology, but the SNP’s opposition is standing in the way.

“By speeding up the delivery of clean energy projects and dropping the ban on new nuclear, we can end our reliance on expensive foreign gas, lower bills for households and industry, and create thousands of good-quality jobs in Scotland.”

Martin Whitfield MSP said: 

“For almost 20 years the SNP have blocked the potential for new nuclear energy projects in Scotland – meaning jobs, growth and skills have gone elsewhere. 

“This senseless policy is harming our energy security, economic potential, and hampering our ability to deliver on Scotland’s climate change commitments.

“If we don’t act soon to end this ideological opposition, Scotland will lose its nuclear energy capacity entirely, damaging jobs and the economy, including East Lothian. 

“A Scottish Labour Government will end the block on new nuclear, delivering zero carbon nuclear energy, kickstarting economic growth and bringing significant investment into East Lothian and the rest of Scotland.”

John Lamont MP said: 

"Supporting the development of nuclear power in Scotland is basic common sense because it would bring energy bills down for workers, businesses and families.

"Everyone seems to be able to see the huge benefits of nuclear energy, except the SNP. John Swinney's government is out of touch with the views of mainstream Scotland.

"It's absolutely ridiculous for the Nationalists to ignore the majority of Scots who support the use of more nuclear power, especially since it is clean energy that doesn't harm the environment.”