ENERGY WHITE PAPER AND NUCLEAR POWER

That this House notes the publication of the Government White Paper on Energy and the consultation document, the Future of Nuclear Power, which include support for a new generation of nuclear power stations; acknowledges the grave need to cut carbon emissions and the importance of securing a long-term stable energy supply; nevertheless, does not consider that nuclear power is the best way to meet these challenges; believes that prohibitive cost of construction and decommissioning, the lack of a viable solution to the disposal of nuclear waste and the security implications of nuclear power stations underline that the case for nuclear power has not been made; is particularly concerned that investment in new nuclear build would channel investment away from crucial renewable energy projects; and calls on the Government to reject proposals for a new generation of nuclear power stations and instead invest the money in additional energy efficiency initiatives and renewable sources of energy generation.