Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/516/3630
From The Socialist newspaper, 17 January 2008
Stop nuclear power plans NOW!
The government has given the go-ahead for a new generation of nuclear power stations, with no limits on how far the nuclear industry could expand.
Steve Score
They claim it is for 'the good of the environment'. The excuse they use is the need to reduce carbon emissions in an attempt to reverse global warming. They also fear rising oil and gas prices and desire to be less reliant on foreign supplies.
But how is something this dangerous good for the environment? The nuclear fallout from the 1986 accident at the Russian plant at Chernobyl resulted in tens of thousands of cancer related deaths.
The new plants will be totally private! The profit motive will inevitably over-ride safety issues. Just remember how safety was relegated on the privatised railways, resulting in a series of disasters. The difference this time is that the potential death count is in the 100,000s! No matter how small the government claims the risk will be - it is not worth it.
The government does not even have a plan for what to do with the nuclear waste. This will remain dangerously radioactive for hundreds of thousands of years. They will continue to store it in "interim" facilities while they decide what to do with it!
Even on the issue of greenhouse gas emissions, substituting nuclear power would only provide a small reduction. Nuclear power produces electricity, but only 14% of oil and gas consumed in Britain goes into electricity production, most is used for other purposes such as transport and heating.
Yes, global warming is a massive threat, but we can reduce carbon emissions without resorting to the dangers of nuclear power. What is needed is huge investment into alternative sustainable energies such as wind and wave power, big improvements in energy efficiency, and a massive improvement in public transport. But capitalism is always concerned about the short term and maximising profits.
That is why so little has been spent on research into alternatives. £6.8 billion has been spent by the government since 1979 on research and development into nuclear fission, yet it has spent only £540 million on renewable energy sources. A socialist solution is needed.
- No to nuclear power.
- For a massive increase in research and investment into alternative sustainable energy sources, energy efficiency and decent public transport.
- Renationalise the energy industry under democratic control.
- A socialist solution to allow democratic planning for the needs of all, not the short-term profits of big business.
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In The Socialist 17 January 2008:
Burslem: Support victimised postal workers
Editorial: Fight three year low pay tie-ins
Environment and socialism
Is the burning of fossil fuels causing climate change?
Sleaze
Blair's rewards from big business
Anti-Cuts campaigns
Fire cuts threat to our public safety
Cardiff schools campaign grows
Housing Crisis
Nationalise Northern Rock - permanently
Socialist Party news
Salford says: "Don't close our women's centre"
Trade unions
Feature: Building the shop stewards' movement
Socialist Party campaigning
Ideas for campaigning and fundraising
International socialist news and analysis
Sri Lanka: New year starts with atrocities
Biggest miners' underground occupation in Polish history
Socialist Party review
Review: More Time for Politics, Diaries 2001-2007, by Tony Benn
Socialist Party workplace news
Reinstate Karen Reissman - defend mental health services!
Derby nurses fight management attacks
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