Bernard Ingham says:
Supporters of Nuclear Energy
is a group of individuals who believe that
nuclear power is vital to the interests of Britain. At present, we have no
energy policy. Instead, we have an environmental policy in which energy
policy is subsumed. Current policy envisages meeting growing national electricity
requirements through renewables (ie predominantly wind), energy conservation and
imported natural gas. Renewables and energy conservation are predictably failing
to deliver and increased reliance on natural gas, imported at prices unknown from
unstable parts of the world such as Russia, the Middle East, Algeria and Nigeria,
is irresponsible. Already natural gas generates 40% of our electricity.
Nuclear is required for reasons of security of supply, national competitiveness
and cleanliness - it emits next to no greenhouse gases. After 50 years experience
of it in the UK, during which it has generated up to a third of our electricity,
it has proved to be reliable and safe. There has not been a single death from a
radiation accident over that half century. Moreover, the industry can manage its
waste - as it has been doing for 50 years - but could handle it better if the
Government summoned up the courage to designate a site for the disposal of the
higher and longer radioactive wastes.
Bernard Ingham, Secretary, Supporters of Nuclear Energy.
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