NUCLEAR NOT NEEDED HERE, SAYS FIONA HALL

Fiona Hall MEP has warned against the plans for a new nuclear power plant to be located at Hartlepool. Hartlepool is one of eight possible sites for new nuclear power stations announced yesterday by British Energy.

Commenting on yesterday’s announcement, North East England Member of the European Parliament and Energy Spokesperson in Europe for the Lib Dems, Fiona Hall said:

“While this is not unexpected, it is nevertheless disappointing.

“The North East is well positioned to lead the country on renewables and energy efficiency and it doesn’t need the inflexible option of nuclear in order to deliver its energy commitments for the future. This announcement comes a day after the launch of a new Energy Research Institute here in the North East to examine ways of providing energy for the future.

“Given that there is no agreed solution to the problem of disposal of tonnes of radioactive waste, nuclear power remains an irresponsible option for any government. It is particularly foolhardy to be creating thousands of years of nuclear contamination along the east coast of England, which is already suffering from erosion and is extremely vulnerable to the rising sea levels caused by global warming.

“Recent comments indicate that the Government is positioning itself to back the nuclear industry’s plans for a new generation of nuclear power plants. I will continue to highlight the dangers, the unknown costs and the unsuitability of new nuclear power plants for the challenges that face us in the 21^st Century.”