New nuclear power station on Anglesey an undemocratic, dangerous distraction

30 March 2010

Responding to today's announcement that Horizon Nuclear Power will apply for planning permissions to build a large nuclear power station at Wylfa, Friends of the Earth Cymru says the scheme would not help tackle climate change and would undermine democracy in Wales.

Gordon James, Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, said:

"Building a large nuclear power station at Wylfa on Anglesey would do nothing to address the challenge of climate change. Instead it would be a dangerous distraction, diverting political attention and scarce resources from better solutions.

"Concentrating our efforts on energy efficiency and renewable energy could tackle our rising emissions and energy security sooner and cheaper. And no one has yet convincingly addressed the massive problems of hazardous waste, terrorism and nuclear proliferation.

"The recent Welsh Assembly Government energy policy statement has shown we don't need nuclear power in Wales. We have an abundance of renewable energy resources that, along with improved energy efficiency, can easily provide our energy needs. Anglesey in particular has a huge potential to cash in on its marine and wind energy potential.

"Allowing this nuclear power station to go ahead would seriously undermine democracy in Wales. This decision would be imposed upon us by the unelected and unaccountable Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) against the wishes of the Welsh Assembly Government. We find it incredible that Ieuan Wyn Jones can support this.

"Friends of the Earth has warned the UK Government it is likely to take legal action against the seriously flawed IPC process."

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