Menu
09/11/2009
Miliband Backs Nuclear Expansion
The UK will 'fast track' a new set of nuclear reactors, the Climate Secretary said today.
Making the announcement, Ed Miliband insisted the country could not afford to "say no" to nuclear power.
Mr Miliband outlined almost a dozen sites identified as suitable for new energy schemes, across northern and southern England, and north Wales. Changes to planning legislation are expected to speed up the process.
He insisted nuclear power is a safe, low-carbon option to help tackle climate change.
However, the Tories have suggested the public will not be brought into the debate, with anti-nuclear campaigners claiming Mr Miliband's proposals are "not the answer".
New plants are expected to be located close to current bases, and their approval will be bolstered by new legal powers given to the Infrastructure Planning Commission.
Many of the UK's current stations are due to be decommissioned in 2023. It is anticipated the new facilities will be implemented as early as 2017.
"When you look at the challenge of climate change, it is right to consider all the low-carbon alternatives. Nuclear is a low-carbon alternative which, in my view, is safe and secure," Mr Miliband told the BBC.
Criticism was pointed at 'unelected' officials sitting on the Infrastructure Planning Commission, which would make the final ruling on plans.
"If you take out accountability, then it is going to make people resistant to change," shadow energy and climate change secretary Greg Clark said.
But Mr Miliband said local residents would have more opportunities to make their views known than under the current system.
Friends of the Earth executive director Andy Atkins said: "Building new plants would divert precious resources from developing safe renewable power."
(PR/BMcC)
Making the announcement, Ed Miliband insisted the country could not afford to "say no" to nuclear power.
Mr Miliband outlined almost a dozen sites identified as suitable for new energy schemes, across northern and southern England, and north Wales. Changes to planning legislation are expected to speed up the process.
He insisted nuclear power is a safe, low-carbon option to help tackle climate change.
However, the Tories have suggested the public will not be brought into the debate, with anti-nuclear campaigners claiming Mr Miliband's proposals are "not the answer".
New plants are expected to be located close to current bases, and their approval will be bolstered by new legal powers given to the Infrastructure Planning Commission.
Many of the UK's current stations are due to be decommissioned in 2023. It is anticipated the new facilities will be implemented as early as 2017.
"When you look at the challenge of climate change, it is right to consider all the low-carbon alternatives. Nuclear is a low-carbon alternative which, in my view, is safe and secure," Mr Miliband told the BBC.
Criticism was pointed at 'unelected' officials sitting on the Infrastructure Planning Commission, which would make the final ruling on plans.
"If you take out accountability, then it is going to make people resistant to change," shadow energy and climate change secretary Greg Clark said.
But Mr Miliband said local residents would have more opportunities to make their views known than under the current system.
Friends of the Earth executive director Andy Atkins said: "Building new plants would divert precious resources from developing safe renewable power."
(PR/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 March 2004
Talented children to benefit from music and dance grants
New national grants in music and dance for exceptionally talented children, allowing them to gain access locally to specialist training, have been announced by the School Standards Minister today.
Talented children to benefit from music and dance grants
New national grants in music and dance for exceptionally talented children, allowing them to gain access locally to specialist training, have been announced by the School Standards Minister today.
05 May 2004
Teachers urged to adopt 'personalised' approach to revision
Schools can get 'personalised' revision tips aimed at helping pupils to prepare for exams from new guidance written by education experts. School Standards Minister David Miliband said that while some young people might benefit from unsupervised revision, others do better in a more structured setting.
Teachers urged to adopt 'personalised' approach to revision
Schools can get 'personalised' revision tips aimed at helping pupils to prepare for exams from new guidance written by education experts. School Standards Minister David Miliband said that while some young people might benefit from unsupervised revision, others do better in a more structured setting.
17 September 2004
Teachers and lecturers to get input into new pension plan
Teachers and lecturers have been asked to submit their views on a proposed reform of the Teachers' Pension Scheme. The Department of Education and Skills launched the consultation paper today which will examine options such as the ability to pay additional contributions and draw some of the pension while working part-time.
Teachers and lecturers to get input into new pension plan
Teachers and lecturers have been asked to submit their views on a proposed reform of the Teachers' Pension Scheme. The Department of Education and Skills launched the consultation paper today which will examine options such as the ability to pay additional contributions and draw some of the pension while working part-time.
04 March 2013
MPs Call For New Nuclear Power Stations
Failure to build a new fleet of nuclear power stations in the UK could make it much more expensive to meet our climate change targets and Ministers must stop 'crossing their fingers' and urgently develop a back-up energy strategy, a report by the Energy and Climate Change Committee argues.
MPs Call For New Nuclear Power Stations
Failure to build a new fleet of nuclear power stations in the UK could make it much more expensive to meet our climate change targets and Ministers must stop 'crossing their fingers' and urgently develop a back-up energy strategy, a report by the Energy and Climate Change Committee argues.
08 October 2010
Miliband Appoints Shadow Cabinet
Ed Miliband has appointed his new team for the shadow cabinet. The former Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, has been named as Shadow Chancellor. Mr Johnson will play a key role as Labour develops its economic strategy. Ed Balls will become Home Secretary, while his wife Yvette Cooper, has been appointed Shadow Foreign Secretary.
Miliband Appoints Shadow Cabinet
Ed Miliband has appointed his new team for the shadow cabinet. The former Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, has been named as Shadow Chancellor. Mr Johnson will play a key role as Labour develops its economic strategy. Ed Balls will become Home Secretary, while his wife Yvette Cooper, has been appointed Shadow Foreign Secretary.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
