Response to Japanese nuclear emergency

14 March 2011

In response to the threat posed to nuclear power stations by the earthquake in Japan, Gordon James of Friends of the Earth Cymru said:

"The Japanese earthquake and its horrific aftermath have shocked the world and our thoughts are with everyone caught up in this terrible tragedy.

"The explosions the earthquake has caused at a Japanese nuclear power plant must lead to an urgent rethink of plans to build even more reactors in Britain and around the world.

""The urgent priority for the Japanese authorities is clearly to tackle the immediate crisis at the nuclear plant, followed by a full and open inquiry into the problems the station has faced.

"Nuclear power presents huge risks for existing and future generations yet makes a very small contribution to energy demand. It generates less than four per cent of UK energy consumption and makes an equally small contribution to global energy.

"The reality is that the UK doesn't need nuclear power - it's a dangerous distraction that diverts resources and political attention away from cleaner and safer ways of meeting our energy needs.

 "Plans for new nuclear build at Wylfa should be scrapped. Wales' huge potential for delivering energy from renewable sources while slashing energy waste can provide the cleaner, safer future we need."

For further information, please contact Friends of the Earth Cymru on 029 2022 9577