22nd November 2005

New plant for Oldbury could be on cards - talk this Friday in Stroud

Blair giving evidence before the Commons liaison committee said he may be ready to give the go-ahead to a new generation of nuclear power stations - Greens have deemed such plans as "deplorable"

Philip Booth , a spokesperson for the Gloucestershire Green party said: "The nuclear power industry has failed us. Instead of providing cheap, clean energy it has cost the taxpayer millions in subsidies as well as causing concern over safety, pollution and the threat of a terrorist attack."

Philip Booth said: "Rising carbon emissions must be tackled in a sustainable and safe way; nuclear power cannot do this. Renewable energy and energy conservation, however, offer low pollution, long-term employment and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Yet Tony Blair seems intent on taking the dirty and dangerous route that is nuclear power. This is a deplorable move."

Philip Booth said: "Britain has been generating radioactive waste for over 50 years, yet no progress has been made on how to dispose of it. Current strategies for dealing with waste are unreliable, unsafe and ruinously expensive - estimated at £1000 per citizen and rising. It is also misleading to suggest that nuclear power is in any way carbon neutral - to generate electricity from uranium, a complex chain of industrial processes is needed: to convert uranium ore in the ground into fuel elements for the reactor; to construct the facilities including the nuclear power plant itself; and to handle and store waste safely."


Greens condemn plans to speed planning process

Philip Booth said: "It is very alarming that Mr Blair suggests the planning procedure needs to be quickened so that the building could start within 10 years. There should be no short cuts or parts of the process removed - a public inquiry should properly answer people's concerns."


Fears for Oldbury build

Philip Booth added: "We know Hinkley in Somerset is a favoured site for a new nuclear power station but they will need to build ten plants and with our MP David Drew in favour we fear Oldbury (pictured right) will also be chosen. However David Drew and others attempt to revive this heavily subsidised, unsafe and dying industry should be doomed by costs (ii). It is crazy that the Government seems to be prepared to abandon its economic principles in favour of a technology that faces mounting public hostility and poses an ever increasing security risk."

Philip Booth said: "The nuclear dream is over. But the clean energy future is just beginning. Surely it's time Blair recognised the folly of following the nuclear power route, and realised the vital role renewable energy sources such as wind and wave, can play in tackling climate change?"


Talk this Friday in Stroud

"Nuclear power: solution to climate change or more problems?" with Jim Duffy from the 'Stop Hinkley' group and one other speaker still to be confirmed. Friday 25th November: between 7.30 and 9.30pm at Star Anise Arts Cafe at the Painswick Inn, Gloucester Street, Stroud.

The cafe doors open at 7.00 to reduce queuing time for coffee and cakes. Usually there are two speakers who each give ten minute introductions. This is followed by informal discussions with more coffee and cake then a chance to discuss more in the main group with the speakers. These hugely successful and popular talks are on the fourth Friday of each month (except August and December) and are an initiative of the Stroud District Green Party.