MP launches bid to halt nuclear power station building

Martin Horwood

Ministers should halt plans for new nuclear power stations in the UK following the disaster in Japan, a West MP said yesterday.

Cheltenham Liberal Democrat Martin Horwood has tabled a Commons motion that has attracted support from MPs of all parties.

Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has already ordered a report from the Chief Nuclear Inspector on the implications for the UK of events at Fukushima power station.

The Daily Press has reported how South West anti-nuclear campaigners want him to shelve plans for new reactors in the UK, including those proposed for Hinkley Point in Somerset and Oldbury in South Gloucestershire.

Mr Horwood’s Early Day Motion, which applauds the courage and expertise of those working to make the Japanese power stations safe, welcomes Mr Huhne’s decision.

But it adds: “Events in Fukushima underline the extreme dangers inherent in nuclear power, the relative resilience of a completely safe, decentralised and renewable energy supply and the inability of even the highest design and safety standards to protect us from unforeseen events.”

The MPs are calling on Mr Huhne “to suspend Government’s plans for a new nuclear power programme”.

Mr Horwood said: “Events in Fukushima are reminding everyone how dangerous nuclear energy can be.

“As if the Japanese people weren’t suffering enough, their electricity supply has been disrupted, hundreds of thousands evacuated and anxiety spreading throughout the civilian population.

“Unforeseen events do happen – even in this country – and Fukushima demonstrates how dependence on nuclear power can add to the crisis.”

So far the EDM has been signed by MPs from five other parties, including high profile Tory environment campaigner Zac Goldsmith and Caroline Lucas, the sole Green MP.

Meanwhile the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee has launched an inquiry into UK research and development capabilities.

Committee chairman Lord Krebs said: “Although this inquiry was conceived before the recent tragic events in Japan, this underlines the importance of ensuring that our research and development capabilities meet out future nuclear energy needs not just for generation capacity, but also for ensuring safety.”

www.thisissomerset.co.uk, March 18, 2011