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PRESS RELEASE
'CND Blasts Blair's Disastrous Orientation on Nuclear Power
For immediate release: 16 May 2006
The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament reacted with dismay to Tony
Blair’s announcement today that nuclear power is back on the agenda
'with a vengeance'. In a speech to the Confederation of British Industry,
Mr Blair is expected to make clear his support for new nuclear power stations
even though this will have no positive effect in dealing
with climate change. Many recent studies, including one by the parliamentary
all-party environment audit committee, have stated unequivocally that
new nuclear power stations will not solve the climate change problem,
especially since no new nuclear power stations could be ready for at least
10 years. Even doubling the amount of nuclear power in the UK would only
reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 8% because transport and industry
account for the majority of carbon emissions.
Kate Hudson, Chair of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, said, “Tony
Blair must know that nuclear power does not make economic or environmental
sense, and that it will do nothing to solve climate change. It is incomprehensible
that he accepts the spin of the nuclear industry and comes to the
conclusion that the UK needs more nuclear power. Any decision on nuclear
power must come as the result of a full public parliamentary debate. Nuclear
power is money down the drain that is going to produce major environmental
and health hazards without solving the climate change issue.”
Ms Hudson continued, “The amount of money invested in producing
nuclear power could produce far more sustainable energy, much more rapidly.
Nuclear power is inherently dangerous and we must halt any plans for new
nuclear power stations in the UK. We need a safe, genuinely sustainable,
global and green solution to our energy needs. A combination of renewable
energy sources and energy efficiency measures which are safe, effective
and proven technologies are available now. The government must live up
to its Kyoto agreements and invest in sustainable clean solutions to climate
change.”
end
Notes to Editor:
1. For further information and interviews please contact Rick Wayman,
CND's Press & Communications Officer, on 0207 7002350 or 07968 420859
2. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) is one of Europe’s
biggest single-issue peace campaigns, with over 32,000 members in the
UK. CND campaigns for the abolition of all nuclear weapons everywhere.
www.cnduk.org
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