Blair May Approve Nuclear Stations
May 30 - Daily Post; Liverpool
A FORMER government environment minister yesterday voiced fears prime minister Tony Blair may be ready to approve a new generation of nuclear power plants.
He has not ruled out the nuclear option.
Environment secretary Margaret Beckett, whose department is carrying out a
review on how to cut Britain's carbon emissions, is known to be hostile to
nuclear energy.
Ex-minister Michael Meacher yesterday said he was 'very fearful' the prime
minister was vulnerable to pressure from the industry.
Mr Meacher, sacked from government in 2003 after six years handling the
environment brief, said: 'Whether he has done some kind of deal with the nuclear
industry, I can't say, and I don't suppose if I asked a question in the House I
would get a totally straight answer.
'But I am sure that the nuclear industry has been pressing him extremely
hard.'
'They will say that we have a British nuclear industry which is a world
leader. He is very keen on business, he is very keen on technology, and I am
sure they are telling him they have got new designs such as they've never had
before.