Energy Supplies
The UK faces an energy crunch leading to much higher electricity and gas bills within three years because power companies are shelving investment plans, the chief executive of Centrica has warned. Sam Laidlaw also told the Observer that unless the government increased the level of financial support available for offshore wind farms soon, the UK would have little chance of meeting its 2020 renewable energy targets.
Observer 1st Feb 2009 more >>
Interview with Sam Laidlaw.
Observer 1st Feb 2009 more >>
Scotland
ALEX Salmond’s plans for a nuclear power-free Scotland will be dealt a severe blow this week with the publication of a report calling for the retention of the controversial power stations. Holyrood’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee will say that the nuclear option should not be ruled out, despite Salmond’s desire to focus entirely on coal-powered stations and renewable energy.
Scotland on Sunday 1st Feb 2009 more >>
The Scottish government is to announce a blueprint to create thousands of new “green” jobs as part of its economic recovery plan. Finance secretary John Swinney will tomorrow outline specific proposals on how it plans to encourage the creation of “new, low-carbon industries in energy production, energy efficiency and sustainable transport”.
Observer 1st Feb 2009 more >>
Israel
AN ultra-rightwinger, who is said to favour flattening Tehran if Iran develops nuclear weapons, has emerged as the politician gaining the most ground in next week’s general election in Israel.
Sunday Times 1st Feb 2009 more >>
Trident
THE UK government’s plan to maintain nuclear weapons on the Clyde will this week be condemned as cruel, criminal and barbaric by one of the world’s leading legal experts. At a major conference discussing Trident on Tuesday, the former vice-president of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), judge Christopher Weeramantry will back attempts by the Scottish government to remove nuclear warheads from Scottish soil. He will also argue that non-violent resistance to nuclear weapons can be justified in international law. Trying to protect humanity from the ultimate catastrophe of a nuclear war is every citizen’s right, he will say.
Sunday Herald 1st Feb 2008 more >>
