3rd September 2006

You report nuclear-power generator British Energy, who have offices in Barnwood, announced a first-quarter profits rise of 85% to £210m (Citizen 17/08/06). A closer look reveals a company with increasing problems at its nuclear power stations like unplanned and accidental stoppages.

Remember this is a company saved from bankruptcy by the taxpayer in 2002 and whose profits are rising on the back of electricity prices. Indeed it would be hard not to turn a profit when debts are written off and liabilities are transferred to the taxpayer. The Government admitted two weeks ago that the £70 billion nuclear clean up bill is 'set to rise' again. Costs are continuing to spiral, but the government still insists nuclear power is the way forward.

Surely this sharp rise in BE profits should at the very least prompt questions about the reliability of nuclear power and those who would have us build even more stations? Money on nuclear is money diverted away from investment in cleaner, quicker, safer ways to tackle climate change and eliminate fuel poverty.

David Wood, Stroud District Green party