News

Energy review kicks off

As the Government launches a three month consultation with the publication of an Energy Review Consultation document, some members of the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM), have warned that a new generation of nuclear power stations must not get the go-ahead until the Government has resolved what to do with Britain's growing radioactive waste mountain. They are incensed that Tony Blair has, in effect, signalled a return to nuclear power before making a decision on what to with existing waste.

The Independent (Front Page) 24th January 2006

Alan Johnson, trade and industry secretary, announced on 24th January that the government's energy review will take a serious look at nuclear power but that no decision has been taken on replacing ageing plants. Ministers will spend just three months canvassing public opinion before making a decision on whether to build a new generation of nuclear power stations.

BBC 23rd January 2006

According to the Trade and Industry Secretary, Alan Johnson, it is now "decision time" on nuclear power. But - in reality - that time has been and gone, according to The Independent. And it looks worryingly like the wrong decision has been made. The consultation is simply the final stage of a public relations exercise designed to prepare the ground for a Prime Ministerial volte face on nuclear energy. It is a classic New Labour spin operation.

The Independent Leader 24th January 2006

Is the Government's “Energy Review” just a tortuous way of saying YES to a new generation of nuclear power stations? Plenty of people think so. Energy experts at the University of Sussex insist there is no reason to assume there will be a shortfall in electricity supply. The Sussex researchers fear that any government backing for a nuclear solution will squeeze out other options. James Cameron, the founder of Climate Change Capital, a specialist finance house, says: “If they [the Government] are absolutely determined to have nuclear, they're going to have to intervene in the market, to make nuclear attractive [to investors].”

The Independent 24th January 2006

As part of the process, ministers have also asked the Health and Safety Executive to look at the risks of building new nuclear power stations. The review will examine concerns about fast-tracking new power stations through the planning system. The nuclear industry is keen to build new plants in the UK without being held up by lengthy planning inquiries.

The Guardian 24th January 2006

Green Party Press Release 23rd January 2006