Liberal Democrats historic vote to support new nuclear power
The Nuclear Industry Association has welcomed the Liberal Democrat vote to support the building of a new generation of nuclear power plants - reversing the party's traditional opposition to nuclear energy.
Party members at the Glasgow conference voted 230 to 183 to support nuclear power in "limited" circumstances.
Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey warned the Party not backing nuclear would be "reckless".
He said he had changed his mind because of climate change.
The motion also backed continued operations at existing nuclear power stations until the end of their working lives.
NIA Chief Executive, Keith Parker said:
"This vote significantly strengthens cross-party support for building new nuclear power stations in the UK, which is vital for investor confidence.
"Nuclear power is the UK's largest source of secure low-carbon electricity. We are delighted to see recognition not only for the contribution that nuclear makes towards meeting our climate goals, but also in ensuring security of supply well into the future.
"With steady public and political support, we very much welcome increasing mainstream consensus around the contribution of low carbon nuclear energy to the UK future clean energy mix."
Secretary of State Edward Davey MP will make a keynote speech at the NIA party conference fringe meeting later today.
Event Details
Venue - SECC, Carron 1
The Nuclear Industry Association
Green Growth – Powering Britain
A panel chaired by Tony Grew, PoliticsHome, featuring the NIA, Renewable UK, Prospect, and Carbon Capture Storage Association will debate wider economic benefits of low carbon energy technologies and their crucial role in establishing economic regeneration, reinvigorating our regions. The keynote address will be made by Edward Davey MP.
Notes
1. The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) is the trade association and representative voice of Britain's civil nuclear industry. It represents more than 270 companies including the operators of the nuclear power stations, those engaged in decommissioning, waste management, nuclear liabilities management and all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear equipment suppliers, engineering and construction firms, nuclear research organisations, and legal, financial and consultancy companies.
2. Policy motion: Green Growth and Green Jobs (Transition to a Zero Carbon Britain Policy Paper)
Either Option A:
i) Rejecting the construction of a new generation of nuclear plant.
Or Option B:
i) Accepting that in future, nuclear power stations could play a limited role in electricity supply, provided concerns about safety, disposal of radioactive waste and cost (including decommissioning) are adequately addressed and without allowing any public subsidy for new build.
