07 November 2007 - Caroline Lucas, Green MEP for the South East, said: “The Energy Bill proposed in the Queen’s Speech this week effectively gives the green light to private companies to develop and expand the UK’s nuclear sector. Nuclear power is dirty, dangerous and expensive. Energy experts have agreed that turning to nuclear as our primary source of renewable energy is unnecessary and irresponsible.

"The Government has already delayed the closure of Dungeness B, demonstrating yet again its failure to offer global leadership on promoting safe, renewable alternatives to burning fuels. The Environment Agency acknowledges that the Dungeness site is at risk from flooding - and its location makes it susceptible to severe storms as ‘freak’ weather events occur with increased frequency due to climate change.

“Furthermore, the design of Dungeness B’s cooling system was previously called into question after cracks appeared in a similar system in Hartlepool. Both the site and the radioactive waste it produces are prime targets for terrorists, and the last thing we need is another development on site C.”

Dr Lucas, who is a member of the European Parliament’s influential Environment Committee, said the Government should be investing seriously in renewable alternatives and energy conservation as some nuclear power stations begin close, not giving the go-ahead for the development of new nuclear facilities.

She said: “If we are to tackle climate change in a way which doesn’t hit the developing world hardest the UK must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80-90 per cent by 2050. The only way we will achieve this is by switching to safe, clean, renewable energy supplies for both transport and electricity supply.

“The alternatives are available now - the industry just needs investment. Wind and wave power could generate three times the UK’s total electricity needs, according to experts, and even locally, a proposed wind farm on Romney Marsh could would generate three-quarters of al the electricity needs of Shepway District.”

ENDS