Press Releases for 2005
The Nuclear Coalition - Kent Greens condemn Conservative and Labour plans to build new nuclear power stations.
28 April 2005Kent Green Party has condemned proposals by the Conservative and Labour parties to build new nuclear power stations(1). Dr Hazel Dawe, Campaigns Officer for Kent Green Party, comments:
"New nuclear power stations have not been commissioned in Britain or the United States for over 20 years because of their cost. Research, construction costs, labour costs during operation and storage of waste for 250,000 years make nuclear power the most expensive energy option. One recent US study found that $1 spent on energy efficiency delivers seven times the emissions reductions as $1 spent on nuclear power(2). "The Green Party wants jobs in every part of Kent in energy conservation and installing renewable energy technologies on homes and businesses. While we welcome plans for wind farms offshore from Whitstable and Thanet(3), and onshore at Romney Marsh, better insulation and solar water heating for homes and businesses will employ far more people throughout the County." Ends C168 WORDS
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Campaigns Officer, Kent Green Party, on 01233 645167 or 07747 014487. Contact address as above or email: hfdawe at gn.apc.org
NOTES to editors:
1. Downing Street is drawing up secret plans to create a new generation of nuclear power stations. Tony Blair wants to avoid discussing the issue until after the election and the No 10 review of Britain's energy needs is not mentioned in the manifesto. . A likely way to finance the move would be a form of public-private partnership but the private sector might demand long-term energy contracts with guaranteed fixed prices, before investing in nuclear. Independent 23rd April 2005; The Conservatives paved the way for a new generation of nuclear reactors yesterday by backing the controversial energy source as a way to tackle climate change. The Tories would launch an urgent review of energy policy within days of coming to power after 5 May, Tim Yeo, the shadow environment secretary, pledged. Scotsman 26th April 2005; A secret team within the Department of Trade and Industry is preparing the case for a programme to build nuclear power stations after the general election. The small group of senior officials, known as Future for Nuclear, has for the past few months examined whether it is economically viable to build new nuclear reactors. Independent on Sunday 27th March 2005; Tory Environment Spokesperson, Tim Yeo, has strongly hinted that a Tory government would throw Sellafield a lifeline. He said an incoming conservative government would make an early decision on building a new generation of nuclear plants. North West Evening Mail 4th April 2005; Pressure on the government to clarify its stance on nuclear power will intensify today as it emerges that the Conservatives have given their support in principle for a new generation of nuclear power stations. Financial Times 21st April 2005.
2. Financial Times 25th April 2005, comments from Tony Juniper, Friends of the Earth.
3. Under construction off Whitstable, in progress towards planning agreement off Margate and under discussion for a new location off Ramsgate information on the latter just obtained from Thanet District Council.
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