Nuclear industry defiant as support soars for Nick Clegg

Liberal Democrats only major party to oppose building of nuclear power stations

The nuclear industry has defended itself in the wake of a surge of support for the Liberal Democrats, the only major party to have a policy opposing the building of new nuclear power stations.

The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) questioned Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg’s assertion in last week’s leaders’ debate that new nuclear had little to offer the UK. During the debate, Clegg clashed with Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Conservative leader David Cameron over the UK’s future energy mix.

Keith Parker, NIA chief executive, said that while he welcomed Clegg’s comment that he did not have a “theological” opposition to nuclear he would “take issue” with some of the Liberal Democrat leader’s comments.

“Nuclear is already an essential part of the UK’s energy mix and is set to become more important as we move toward a low-carbon economy,” Parker said.

“To suggest that new nuclear development will be the most expensive form of new generation and to say replacement of our current fleet of nuclear power stations will be ‘too late to make any difference’ are plain wrong,” he added.

“Nuclear is universally accepted as being low-carbon, stably priced and an integral part of a balanced energy future that includes renewables, clean coal and energy conservation. All new build projects will be funded entirely by the private sector.”