Liberal Democrats concerned about nuclear announcement (Suffolk County Council Liberal Democrats)

Suffolk County Council Liberal Democrats <info@suffolkcclibdems.org.uk>

Liberal Democrats concerned about nuclear announcement

November 30, 2007 11:50 AM

Liberal Democrats on Suffolk County Council today expressed great concern that Gordon Brown would give the go-ahead in January for a raft of new nuclear power stations in the UK. British Energy have confirmed that Suffolk is one of four areas being considered for a possible new nuclear power station. The Prime Minister yesterday confirmed a decision would be announced on whether or not to build new power stations in January.

Earlier in the year, Suffolk County Council's Liberal Democrats raised concerns over the Planning White Paper, now Planning Reform Bill, which they fear will reduce the right of communities in Suffolk to object or voice their concerns over any new power stations. They also raised concerns over the environmental damage, security issues and problems with flood defences associated with Sizewell.

Speaking about the announcement, Group Leader Cllr Kathy Pollard said, "The Government have clearly always had their minds made up about nuclear power and have intended to build new stations all along. It's clear that, in January, permission will be granted for a new nuclear power station at Sizewell.

We have serious concerns that the Planning Reform Bill is simply a means of stifling public opposition to such developments. Recent surveys have shown that the vast majority of people in the UK have concerns about creating new nuclear waste. Although nuclear power is often touted as a low carbon source of energy, we need to remember that there is more than one way to damage the environment: nuclear waste is a very significant way to do that. As yet there is no long term solution of to the disposal of nuclear waste.

It seems that it's not so much a case of if a new nuclear power plant will be built in Suffolk, but when. The Government had clearly made its mind up before the consultation began. I only hope that the changes the Government are pushing through over planning will not mean that the people of Suffolk will have their views ignored."