Press release
Government gives green light to nuclear gamble
23 June 2011
Confirmation today that the Government intends to build eight new nuclear reactors across Britain is an expensive gamble we don't need to take, warned Friends of the Earth.
Today's announcement comes as the Government published its National Policy Statements for Energy - which aim to speed up the building of major energy infrastructure.
Friends of the Earth's energy campaigner Simon Bullock said:
"The Government is obsessed with putting a new nuclear millstone around Britain's neck.
"But nuclear is a gamble we don't need to take - we can meet our energy needs by investing in energy efficiency and developing the UK's vast potential for clean renewable power.
"After five decades of nuclear power the industry still needs huge public subsidy, while solar is set to operate without taxpayer support within a decade - even in cloudy Britain.
"If the Government gave the same enthusiastic backing to green energy as it gives to nuclear we'd be well on the road to a cleaner, safer future."
Commenting on the National Policy Statements for Energy, Simon Bullock said:
"Tackling climate change should be at the heart of UK energy policy, but today's statement is full of gaps - and doesn't even take account of the latest advice from the Government's own climate advisor.
"Incredibly, the statement insists that emissions from power stations should be ignored.
"Today's statement is short sighted and irresponsible and will lock us into a high-carbon future - MPs must insist on major changes."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. The Energy NPSs can be obtained from DECC's website.
2. Today's NPS says here is urgent need for new gas-fired power stations. But four stations have been given planning permission in the past eight months, and Government figures show there is no need for any more. Locking the UK into a high-carbon future will be much more costly to fix in future.
3. Earlier this week the Government was forced to withdraw a controversial clause from its new Energy Bill which could have made the nuclear industry eligible for bailouts.
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 2011
