| NIA hosts Young Fabians debate | | Print | |
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The Young Fabians (a left of centre think tank) held a debate in Parliament in early February, sponsored by NIA, on “Can nuclear power contribute to the future?”
Roger Higman of Friends of the Earth used slides depicting nuclear energy as a hooded figure with a death mask, saying he had concerns about proliferation and the unsustainability of uranium. Bill Tynan MP, Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Nuclear Energy, argued that scaremongering presentations like Higman's do not offer a realistic and balanced platform for debate. David Chaytor MP was concerned that nuclear emits CO2 through mining uranium, transport, plant construction and decommissioning and is expensive and heavily subsidised. Linda Ashton, advisor to Gordon Campbell, Chairman of BNFL, soundly defended the economics of nuclear power and its environmental benefits. The evening revealed that energy policy is an issue which both current MPs and young political groups, as the future opinion formers and decision makers of the country, are considering very seriously. The Young Fabians felt that the industry will gain credibility by facing its opponents and the arguments raised against it, and defending its corner rationally. They welcomed the event and hope to see more events of this kind organised in the future. |
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