The UK Government is to look into reports “dangerous” nuclear material is being transported on public roads across the north of Scotland.
SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson raised his concerns with George Osborne, who was standing in for David Cameron at Prime Minister’s Questions in the Commons yesterday.
He called on the chancellor to clarify whether toxic substances, including potentially nuclear weapon-grade uranium, are being carried from Dounreay to Wick airport.
The Moray MP, who has also written to Mr Cameron, added: “It is believed such nuclear materials will be flown to the United States. We need clarity on what it will be used for.
“Did the UK Government inform Scottish Government ministers?
“The public has a right to expect the highest safety standards and full coordination and cooperation between responsible public agencies.”
Mr Osborne said the transportation of nuclear materials had happened across the country over many decades and there were “established procedures for doing so”.
He added: “The Royal Marines and the police service in Scotland provide the security as they do that.
“If you have specific concerns you want to raise about the plans for the transportation you can raise them with us, but as I say, the arrangements are in place to make sure we protect the public.”
In a briefing after the exchange, a spokesman for the chancellor said he was “sure they will look into it”.
Speaking outside the Commons, he told journalists: “There are very clear rules and regulations as regards to how nuclear material is transported across this country.”
Fellow SNP MP Paul Monaghan, whose constituency takes in Wick airport, called the reports “deeply concerning”.
He added: “There seems to be a lack of openness and transparency from the UK Government.
“I am in regular contact with Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the Ministry of Defence in respect of both Doureay and HMS Vulcan.
“However I was unaware, along with my constituents, of plans to transport so-called ‘exotic fuel’ which includes plutonium and uranium, across the constituency using roads, rail, sea and air.
“Clearly the transportation of nuclear and other dangerous fissile materials is a matter of enormous concern to the general public. The UK Government must undertake these transportations with full transparency.”