A group of eight Labour MPs has
produced “What’s in the Mix: The Future of Energy Policy”.
This pamphlet, which will be submitted as evidence to the government’s
current energy review being undertaken by the Department for Trade &
Industry, argues extensively that an energy mix centering on renewables
and energy conservation, but excluding new nuclear power generation, is
the way forward for Britain’s future energy supply.
All the MPs; Alan Whitehead (the pamphlet’s co-ordinator), Joan Walley,
Michael Meacher, Colin Challen, Helen Goodman, Nia Griffith, Mark Lazarowicz
and David Chaytor are members of SERA – The Labour Environment Campaign.
Mark Lazarowicz is the Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North & Leith.
Mark Lazarowicz MP said:
“The contributions made by myself and my fellow Labour MPs seek to
highlight the central contribution to future energy needs that can be made
by the variety of renewable technologies which are now developing, combined
with better systems of energy management and efficiency.
This pamphlet examines many of the arguments put
forward for nuclear power and finds that they have not been adequately made
and are often based on false premises. The idea that nuclear power is free
from CO2 emissions, or that we can only achieve a low carbon energy economy
by relying on it is simply untrue. Yet much of the discussion on the future
of energy supply seems to rely on these two myths.
Nuclear power is neither safe, secure, cheap nor renewable. However, as
long as the debate remains focused on the fors and againsts of nuclear power
the full potentiality of renewable energy will not be realised.
I am therefore keen to see an open and evidence-based debate in which all
the future elements of the ‘energy mix’ are considered. This
means that the reality of renewable energy must be assessed in its own right
– and when it does, it can clearly play a key role in filling future
gaps in supply and anchoring a low carbon energy future”.
Hywel Lloyd, Chair of SERA commented:
“SERA are pleased to be publishing this pamphlet. Where we get our
energy from is the biggest question facing both Britain and the world at
present. This Pamphlet is an excellent addition to this discussion. The
importance of fully renewable sources of energy cannot be over played, and
this pamphlet sets out the stall for supporting renewable technologies in
a clear and detailed way, a way in which we how will help the government
deliver on the objectives of the 2003 Energy White Paper.” |
