We will not build nuclear power stations if elected, says Tory adviser
What a REAL conservative looks like...
North West Evening Mail
02 December 2009
David Cameron's green adviser has thrown more doubt on where the party stands over nuclear power after declaring no new stations would be built under a Tory government.
Zac Goldsmith, the Tory candidate for Richmond, and one of Mr Cameron's closest advisers on the environment, insisted no new nuclear power stations would be built if the Conservatives were to win the next general election.
He said Tory policy "was to give a green light to nuclear power as long as there is no call on the taxpayer, not just in terms of building, but maintenance, security and disposal of waste. In the history of nuclear power there has never been a station built without huge use of taxpayers' subsidy."
It is the most outspoken a Tory has been about the next generation of nuclear power stations.
Mr Cameron himself two years ago said the power source was a "last resort".
Copeland MP Jamie Reed said: "This man was hand-picked by David Cameron to over see Tory energy and environment policy and the result are shocking.
"This is not a policy, it is ignorant, confused nonsense and is in effect an anti-nuclear policy. David Cameron is all over the place on nuclear. He has stated that it is a "last resort".
"With others I have worked hard to build a cross party consensus and I am saddened by the fact that David Cameron and Zac Goldsmith remain anti nuclear.
"If it is necessary I am fully behind any subsidy required for new nuclear build, renewables and new carbon-capture technology will require some subsidy so nuclear must be on a level playing field.
"Nothing could be more important to the future of West Cumbria."
Last month, it was announced three new sites in West Cumbria had government backing for potential new build, Kirksanton, Egremont and Sellafield.
It is highly unlikely Kirksanton and Egremont will go ahead, given public opposition. A three month consultation is currently under way.
North West Evening Mail
02 December 2009
David Cameron's green adviser has thrown more doubt on where the party stands over nuclear power after declaring no new stations would be built under a Tory government.
Zac Goldsmith, the Tory candidate for Richmond, and one of Mr Cameron's closest advisers on the environment, insisted no new nuclear power stations would be built if the Conservatives were to win the next general election.
He said Tory policy "was to give a green light to nuclear power as long as there is no call on the taxpayer, not just in terms of building, but maintenance, security and disposal of waste. In the history of nuclear power there has never been a station built without huge use of taxpayers' subsidy."
It is the most outspoken a Tory has been about the next generation of nuclear power stations.
Mr Cameron himself two years ago said the power source was a "last resort".
Copeland MP Jamie Reed said: "This man was hand-picked by David Cameron to over see Tory energy and environment policy and the result are shocking.
"This is not a policy, it is ignorant, confused nonsense and is in effect an anti-nuclear policy. David Cameron is all over the place on nuclear. He has stated that it is a "last resort".
"With others I have worked hard to build a cross party consensus and I am saddened by the fact that David Cameron and Zac Goldsmith remain anti nuclear.
"If it is necessary I am fully behind any subsidy required for new nuclear build, renewables and new carbon-capture technology will require some subsidy so nuclear must be on a level playing field.
"Nothing could be more important to the future of West Cumbria."
Last month, it was announced three new sites in West Cumbria had government backing for potential new build, Kirksanton, Egremont and Sellafield.
It is highly unlikely Kirksanton and Egremont will go ahead, given public opposition. A three month consultation is currently under way.