nuclear-news

Britain’s Liberal Democrats join pro nuclear cause

“If it looks like a subsidy and smells like a subsidy, it is a subsidy,”  

(at left – Chris Huhne, the Liberal Democrat who led the party over to the pro nuclear side)

Lib Dems’ green boast under threat as party votes for nuclear Members accept limited role for atomic power at Glasgow conference in historic reversal of policy Rowena Mason, political correspondent The Guardian, Monday 16 September 2013 The Liberal Democrats have embraced nuclear power for the first time in their 25-year history on the grounds that it will help Britain tackle climate change.In a historic reversal of policy, hundreds of members on Sunday voted in favour of accepting a “limited” role for atomic power plants in a safe and affordable way……..

On shale gas, the party agreed to accept fracking in “controlled” circumstances, with an amendment that would ensure it takes place under stricter regulation.

The acceptance of nuclear power, however, was the most significant U-turn. The party backed atomic plants following an impassioned speech by Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat energy secretary, and several hours of tense debate about the role of nuclear power in green politics.

Davey argued it would be reckless to reject such a large low-carbon source of energy, which would help wean Britain off fossil fuels. Green groups reacted with fury to the change, arguing the party had moved further towards Tory positions……..

An anti-nuclear stance has helped the Liberal Democrats develop an image as the most environmentally aware of the main parties, with the 2010 manifesto rejecting a new generation of plants, mostly because of the cost.

However, Chris Huhne, the first Lib Dem energy secretary, began the process of accepting nuclear by saying the party could accept it as long as there would be no taxpayer subsidy. Since Davey took over the reins, he has been negotiating with EDF, the French nuclear giant, over the extra amount it can charge people for electricity to cover the cost of building the first plants……..

Fiona Hall, a Liberal Democrat MEP, also argued the motion is based on a false premise because the coalition’s plans to make voters pay for nuclear power through their energy bills is tantamount to a subsidy.

“If it looks like a subsidy and smells like a subsidy, it is a subsidy,” she said.

Others argued that abandoning the party’s long-held opposition to nuclear power would risk alienating core voters, who were first attracted to the party because of that environmental issue…….

Craig Bennett, policy director at Friends of the Earth, said: “The change punches a huge hole in the Liberal Democrats’ fast-sinking green credibility.”

“Nuclear power comes with massive costs attached,” he said. “Ed Davey is deluded if he thinks new reactors can go ahead without public subsidy – building them will result in the Liberal Democrats, yet again, breaking their promises.”

Dr Doug Parr, chief scientist at Greenpeace, added: “The vote shows how far the Liberal Democrats have slid from their previously principled position on energy and climate.” He added: “The party now seems prepared to thrust the issues of nuclear waste and funding on to future generations, rather than take on vested interests and put us on the road to dealing with the climate crisis in a clean, safe way.”….. http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/sep/15/lib-dems-vote-nuclear-conference

September 16, 2013 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics, UK