Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

LETTER: Construction of nuclear power stations will lead to a 'Nuclear Tax' for Hounslow residents

January 8, 2006 12:00 AM
72% of the British public say no to nuclear power and yes to wind. Greenpeace projects poll result onto Sizewell nuclear plant in Suffolk, UK ©Greenpeace

72% of the British public say no to nuclear power and yes to wind. ©Greenpeace

It is of major concern to Hounslow Liberal Democrats that the DTI has made no assessment of the full costs of the construction of new nuclear power stations. This means it is likely we will have a 'nuclear tax' if the government gives the go ahead for a new generation of nuclear power stations. Parliament has just had to approve a £56bn bill to clean up the waste from the nuclear power we have now. That's equivalent to an £800 bill for every person in the UK.

Imagine where we would be if we could spend that kind of money on renewable energy. The energy review must set out a clear strategy for investment in clean, green renewable energy. We need a Government prepared to invest properly for our future energy needs, and to invest properly in the environment. That means proper funding for renewables, real incentives to cut demand, and concerted action to cut out waste. In Hounslow this would mean introduction of micro power generation - small scale solar, wind and biomass in peoples' homes.

Reports in the Financial Times before Christmas indicate that the Prime Minister is seeking to avoid a Commons vote on new nuclear plants. It is disgraceful that the Prime Minister would contemplate railroading through a new generation of nuclear power stations without a proper vote in the House of Commons. A decision of such significance has to be carried in the Commons. The Prime Minister's approach shows the weakness of his position and the weakness of the arguments for increased reliance on nuclear power.

Andrew Dakers, Lib Dem spokesperson for Brentford & Isleworth

Satnam Kaur Khalsa, Lib Dem spokesperson for Feltham & Heston

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you agree, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image