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Miliband urged to back clean, safe alternatives to nuclear power
12 May 2006
Friends of the Earth urged new Environment Secretary David Miliband to oppose calls for a new generation of nuclear power plants, and back better, safer alternative technologies and measures to combat climate change and meet our energy needs. The environmental campaign group called on the Government to back a new law to make successive government's responsible for annual cuts in carbon dioxide emissions every year.
Friends of the Earth director Tony Juniper said
"We are concerned by the potential pro-nuclear agenda behind the Cabinet reshuffle. But we hope that Ministers will look at the evidence and realise that nuclear power is not the answer. There are better and safer energy alternatives which already exist for tackling climate change and meeting our energy needs.
"We are delighted that David Miliband recognises climate change as the number one issue facing the planet. But he needs to ensure that the rest of his colleagues in Cabinet put the environment at the heart of their policies too. Ultimately the Government will be judged on whether they achieve the significant cuts in carbon dioxide that they have repeatedly promised to make.
"It's not too late to tackle climate change, but If the Government is serious it should give its backing to a new law obliging successive governments to make annual reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, as called for by Friends of the Earth's climate campaign, The Big Ask. This already has the support of the other main political parties, the majority of MPs and 75 per cent of the population.
More info on The Big Ask at: www.thebigask.com
Friends of the Earth has outlined a number of alternatives for tackling climate change and meeting our energy needs:
Nuclear power and the energy review (PDF)
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If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
