GMB Union criticises Green Party stance on nuclear ahead of Welsh elections

The GMB Union has criticised the Green Party of England and Wales over its opposition to nuclear power, as debate around energy policy intensifies ahead of elections in Wales.

The union, which represents workers across the energy sector, said nuclear power remains essential both for jobs and for meeting net zero targets.

A GMB spokesperson said:

“New nuclear has the potential to create thousands of well paid union jobs in places like South Wales… There is no route to net zero without new nuclear.”

The comments reflect long-standing tensions between trade unions and parties opposed to nuclear energy, particularly around the potential economic impact on industrial communities.

The Green Party has consistently argued against new nuclear development, favouring investment in renewable energy such as wind, solar and tidal power instead.

Nuclear employment in Wales

Figures from the Nuclear Industry Association show that the civil nuclear workforce in Wales is relatively small compared to other parts of the UK.

• Around 827 people are currently employed in the nuclear industry in Wales
• This represents a 40% decline since 2014, when around 1,346 people worked in the sector
• Employment is largely linked to decommissioning activity at sites such as Wylfa on Anglesey and Trawsfynydd in Gwynedd

Across the wider UK, the nuclear sector supports significantly more jobs, with tens of thousands employed, particularly in England where new projects are under construction.

Future outlook

Proposals for new nuclear developments in Wales, including small modular reactor projects, have been linked to the potential creation of thousands of jobs if progressed.

However, with differing political views on the role of nuclear energy, the issue is likely to remain a key point of debate during the Welsh election campaign—balancing economic opportunities, energy security and environmental priorities.