Brighton nuclear power plan 'criminally negligent' say Greens
24 May 2007
Green councillors are concerned that government consultants have identified the city as a location for a nuclear power plant.
There is speculation that such a facility could replace the recently built Shoreham Power Station.
Green Convenor Keith Taylor (pictured below), who last year undertook a national tour advocating renewable energy over nuclear, said, “To consider building a nuclear plant on the coast on the doorsteps of over a quarter of a million people is verging on criminal negligence. Sea levels are set to increase as a result of climate change – building on the sea line is sheer folly.
“Nuclear power is expensive, vulnerable to attack and relies on a finite supply of uranium, sometimes from politically unstable countries.
"Nuclear is being presented as a short term solution, but carries huge long term unanswered questions over how to deal with the radioactive waste created and over who will foot the bill for decommissioning.
"If this project proceeds, Brighton & Hove people will be living on a knife edge for many generations”.
Last year’s House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee inquiry into new nuclear stations concluded that a “focus on energy efficiency and renewables as cornerstones of a future sustainable energy policy remains correct”
Evidence before the Inquiry put the construction cost alone of each new power station at £1bn
Keith Taylor continued, “Just think of the enormous strides we could make if that money were invested in energy efficiency and renewable energy generation – high efficiency boilers, solar panels and wind turbines to every suitable house in Sussex.
"All that for a fraction of the cost and no dirty, dangerous and expensive legacy for the generations to come”
“This has come as a shock to the council, and I believe the whole city should now send a message to government that nuclear power stations are neither needed nor welcome here. Greens will table a motion at the next full council meeting to that effect.”
Notes to editors:
More information from Geoffrey Bowden Green Party Press Officer on 07958 682683.[ENDS]
