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Foe slams nuke industry green claims
5 September 2002
Friends of the Earth dismissed claims made today by Norman Askew, Chief Executive of British Nuclear Fuels plc, that nuclear power is more affordable than ever and the only credible solution to ensure a large scale secure, reliable and environmentally friendly energy supply. The claims are made in BNF’s submission to the Government's consultation on energy.
Friends of the Earth noted that, besides seeking further tax breaks, BNFL is already set to get a £3.8 billion subsidy from the tax-payer when the Government transfers its liabilities to a new Liabilities Management Authority. Meanwhile, Britain’s other nuclear generator, British Energy has seen its share-price plummet because its nuclear reactors keep breaking down.
Britain still has no long term solution for the management of the nuclear waste it has already created. To make more would be completely irresponsible.
Roger Higman, nuclear campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:
“Norman Askew must live in cloud cuckoo land. Claiming that nuclear power is cost-effective and environmentally friendly shows just how desperate the nuclear industry has become. The industry has a future, but that lies in cleaning up the mess it’s already made and not in creating more highly toxic waste that will remain a threat for thousands of years to come. The Government must wake up to the fact that the nuclear dream is over and put its resources into clean renewable energy and measures to reduce energy demand.”
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
