Green Liberal Democrats

Martin speaks out on nuclear power

CHELTENHAM MP Martin Horwood has tabled a motion calling for a suspension of the government's plans for a new nuclear power programme in the United Kingdom. The motion also expresses the deepest sympathies and condolences for the Japanese people as well as applauding the courage and expertise of those working to make the Fukushima Daiichi power station safe. The Early Day Motion (EDM 1615) has received strong cross-party support with Alan Whitehead MP (Labour), Zac Goldsmith MP (Conservative) and Caroline Lucas (Green) among those who are backing.

The motion stresses that while there are major differences between the two countries, not least the geography, the events in Fukushima underline the extreme dangers inherent in nuclear power. It highlights "…the relative resilience of a completely safe, decentralised and renewable energy supply and the inevitable inability of even the highest design and safety standards to protect us from unforeseen events; and therefore calls on the Secretary of State to suspend the government's plans for a new nuclear power programme in the United Kingdom."

Martin commented "This is the first step in an important conversation we need to be having, not only in Parliament but across the UK. There are many differences between the Japanese situation and our own but events in Fukushima are reminding everyone how dangerous nuclear power can be. As if the Japanese people weren't suffering enough, their electricity supply has been disrupted, hundreds of thousands of people evacuated and anxiety spreading throughout the civilian population. Unforeseen events do happen - even in this country - and Fukushima is demonstrating how dependence on nuclear power can add to the crisis."

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