Delegates call for a balanced energy policy

(Wednesday 22 April 2009)

by Malcolm Burns in Perth

STUC renewed its commitment to a balanced energy policy on Tuesday based on a diversity of fuel sources, to enable secure, affordable energy supplies and help cut emissions.

Unite union delegate Marie Vannet said: "A balanced energy policy is absolutely vital to ensure stability of supply."

She argued that action is needed now to ensure that replacement capacity is available when existing power stations close.

Public-sector union UNISON delegate Dave Watson said that the market trumpeted by both Scottish and Westminster governments has dismally failed consumers.

"Regrettably, a coherent policy is not what we always get from these governments," he said.

"We either get more market madness from the UK or a crude 'no nukes at any price' from the Scottish government. We shouldn't wait until the lights go out before we recognise that market madness is no way to run a vital public service like energy."

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