New Nuclear Power? No thanks!

The government is currently reviewing its energy policy in relation to climate change. It seems that Tony Blair wants to build 10 new nuclear power stations around the U.K. Apparently he thinks this is a solution to Britain's need to cut carbon emissions by 20% by 2020 and 60% by 2050.

In reality, even if we doubled nuclear power in the UK, it would only cut carbon emissions by about 8%. It would also prevent the money and government support from going to the real solutions (efficiency and renewable energy); double the amount of radioactive spent fuel in the UK (which we still have no safe way of storing); increase the number of terrorist targets in the UK: require billions of pounds of public subsidy and deeply undermine the renewable energy sector. And the link between nuclear power and nuclear weapons proliferation is ever present. The same enrichment facilities can be used to make 3% enriched uranium for power station fuel or 90% enriched uranium for nuclear warheads - hence the worry around Iran at the moment. In addition to all of this, there is only enough uranium ore for the next 50-100 years of nuclear generation even if it remained at current levels.

If Britain genuinely wants to make the necessary cuts in carbon emissions it must support renewable energy production and energy efficiency. There is only so much money that the government and private investors have available to put into developing electricity generation systems. If it goes to nuclear it won't go to renewables and efficiency. The UK has enough wind power alone to meet our energy needs nine times over. As tidal, wave and solar technologies develop, a diverse renewables industry will emerge. Combined with the 30% reductions in energy demand through efficiency (including reducing air travel and car usage) identified as possible by the government in the 2003 Energy Review, there is no need for nuclear.

If we act by April 2006 we might be able to stop the government setting policy in favour of nuclear power. Please get active.

First and most important - Write four letters. They can be as simple as you like, but need to be in your own words to be effective. The address to write to is: House of Commons, London, SW1A OAA. In order of priority these should go to:

1/. The Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP. As Chancellor of the Exchequer he will have a significant voice in the Cabinet as to whether or not nuclear power should be supported.

2/. The Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP, Secretary of State tor Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. As the head of the government's own environment department, if she says nuclear is not a solution to climate change it would make a real difference. She is antinuclear but will be under pressure to change her position and it would be helpful for her to receive anti-nuclear letters.

3/. Your own MP, asking them to put pressure on the Cabinet. If your own MP is in the cabinet then they should be top priority.

4/. George Osbome MP. As Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer and MP for a party currently looking at its energy policy, it would be useful for him to get an indication of public opinion and the relevant arguments on this question.

The website www.newnuclearpowernothanks.orq has information on nuclear, renewables, energy efficiency, cabinet ministers, and suggestions for letter writing.

Second - ask your friends to write and to ask their friends to as well.

Third - if you are willing to mobilise people locally on this issue please get in touch with the New Nuclear Power? No Thanks! Network that is trying to get a national campaign going on this issue.

For further information contact the New Nuclear Power? No Thanks! Network: www.newnuclearpowemothanks.org. 0116210 2294.