Yesterdays announcement by the Government for proposals that will fast-track a new generation of nuclear power stations is nothing short of a “cop out” according to Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Bury South, Vic D’Albert.

“This Labour Government have gone grey on sustainable energy and renewable power and are now on the verge of a devastating mistake if they plough ahead with plans to build a new generation of nuclear power stations.It’s nothing short of a cop out” 

“There is a massive cost to the taxpayer involved in building Nuclear plants and they are seemingly determined to build these plants without addressing the issue of lethal toxic waste that will be inherited by future generations.

“And, so determined are they to ride roughshod over local public opinion on this issue that they are even prepared to change Planning Law to make it easier to avoid public opposition.That is a disgraceful way to treat people near these sites, people that may well be worried sick about these proposals.

“By putting all our eggs into this toxic radioactive basket the Government is putting at risk any strategy to develop sustainable energy in the UK . The fact remains nuclear energy even with these new sites would only contribute a fraction of the energy demand when it is available – which won’t be for many years.

“The best way for Britain to reduce emissions and secure its energy supply is through the rapid development of renewable power which is clean, safe, effective and would create huge numbers of jobs.

“With one reckless stroke this Labour Government has endangered the development of renewable energy strategies, undermined energy demands, failed to respond to much needed energy consumption cuts and put at risk future generations who will face the legacy of toxic waste.”