For immediate release: 16 May 2006
The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament reacted with dismay to Tony Blair’s announcement today that nuclear power is back on the agenda ‘with a vengeance’. In a speech to the Confederation of British Industry, Mr Blair is expected to make clear his support for new nuclear power stations even though this will have no positive effect in dealing with climate change. Many recent studies, including one by the parliamentary all-party environment audit committee, have stated unequivocally that new nuclear power stations will not solve the climate change problem, especially since no new nuclear power stations could be ready for at least 10 years. Even doubling the amount of nuclear power in the UK would only reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 8% because transport and industry account for the majority of carbon emissions.
Kate Hudson, Chair of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, said, “Tony Blair must know that nuclear power does not make economic or environmental sense, and that it will do nothing to solve climate change. It is incomprehensible that he accepts the spin of the nuclear industry and comes to the conclusion that the UK needs more nuclear power. Any decision on nuclear power must come as the result of a full public parliamentary debate. Nuclear power is money down the drain that is going to produce major environmental and health hazards without solving the climate change issue.”
Ms Hudson continued, “The amount of money invested in producing nuclear power could produce far more sustainable energy, much more rapidly. Nuclear power is inherently dangerous and we must halt any plans for new nuclear power stations in the UK. We need a safe, genuinely sustainable, global and green solution to our energy needs. A combination of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures which are safe, effective and proven technologies are available now. The government must live up to its Kyoto agreements and invest in sustainable clean solutions to climate change.”
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Notes to Editor:
1. For further information and interviews please contact Rick Wayman, CND’s Press & Communications Officer, on 0207 7002350 or 07968 420859
2. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) is one of Europe’s biggest single-issue peace campaigns, with over 32,000 members in the UK. CND campaigns for the abolition of all nuclear weapons everywhere.