Nuclear waste is polluting the Irish Sea and any new nuclear power stations in Scotland will increase pollution

Patricia McKenna, Irish MEP

The government launched an energy review in June, which is being conducted by the Cabinet Office Performance and Innovation Unit and chaired by UK Energy Minister Brian Wilson.

A spokesman for the Department of Trade and Industry, which covers energy policy, said "all things" were being considered by the energy review.

It is this refusal to rule out the expanded use of nuclear power that has enraged environmentalists on both sides of the Irish Sea.

The Scottish Greens said that while the Dounreay plant is due to be decommssioned, the plants at Hunsterston and Torness sites are being "actively considered" for new plants.

On Friday, Mr Harper and Ms McKenna staged a protest outside the Scottish Executive headquarters in Edinburgh.

The Scottish Green Party has launched a campaign website and is urging all those opposed to nuclear power to use it and petition First Minister Henry McLeish.

Robin Harper: "Nuclear power is on the cards"

Robin Harper said: "The executive have tried to prevent public disquiet by claiming new nuclear plants will not be approved until it's decided what to do with radioactive waste but the public should be aware that behind the scenes new nuclear power is on the cards.

"People need to be able to make their voices heard and that's why we are launching this internet campaign against nuclear power and in support of renewable energy and energy efficiency."

Irish MEP, Patricia McKenna said she was worried that any new nuclear plant built in Scotland could release dangerous radioactivity into the Irish Sea.

She said; "I'm pleased to come to Scotland to help launch the campaign. Nuclear waste is polluting the Irish Sea and any new nuclear power stations in Scotland will increase pollution and other dangers.

"It's vital the UK government is sent a strong message, stop dallying with nuclear power and start making plans for energy from wind, wave, hydro, solar and bio fuels."