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

12.00.00am GMT Sun 8th Jan 2006

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