nuclear-news

UK’s Liberal Democrats about to sell out on their anti nuclear policy

Lib Dems may be set to relax trademark anti-nuclear stance Opposition to building a new generation of nuclear power stations has been one of the Liberal Democrats’ most distinctive policy positions
The Independent,  DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR  SUNDAY 04 AUGUST 2013 Liberal Democrats could ditch their long-standing antipathy to nuclear energy next month in a conference debate that will cause deep
divisions within the party.

Opposition to building a new generation of nuclear power stations has been one of the Liberal Democrats’ most distinctive policy positions although they have watered it down in the Coalition Government.

At their conference in Glasgow, delegates will be asked whether they want to adopt a new policy of accepting that nuclear energy has its place in electricity generation.

The move is understood to have the backing of Nick Clegg, the party leader, and Ed Davey, the Energy and Climate Change Secretary, although they are unlikely to speak directly on the issue………..
The Liberal Democrats pledged opposition in their last election
manifesto to new nuclear power stations because of concerns over their
expense and safety and the Coalition agreement allowed them to abstain
in votes on the issue.

However, Chris Huhne, the former Liberal Democrat Energy and Climate
Change Secretary, announced moves to build eight new power stations –
as long as the state did not have to subside them. Mr Davey, who
replaced him, has adopted the same position.

In next month’s vote, delegates will be asked to choose between
opposing the construction of new nuclear plants or accepting they
could play a “limited role” in electricity supply providing worries
about safety, cost and the disposal of radioactive waste could be
addressed. The conference has the final say in setting party
policy………..
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/lib-dems-may-be-set-to-relax-trademark-antinuclear-stance-8745585.

August 5, 2013 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics, UK