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23rd May 2007 Oxfordshire Green Party today responded to the Government's Energy White Paper: Oxford West and Abingdon PPC and low carbon expert [2], Chris Goodall says: "Today's Energy White Paper is a massive blow to common sense. Government support for nuclear power will prove costly and environmentally damaging. It will do nothing to increase the security of our energy supplies and it is wholly unnecessary." Oxford East PPC Peter Tatchell added: "Instead of spending billions on new nuclear power stations and radioactive waste disposal, the Green Party advocates investment in large-scale energy conservation and in renewable power generation, including wind, solar, wave, tidal and geothermal. This Green alternative will create more jobs, and provide safer and more sustainable energy supplies.
“Despite widespread public opposition to the nuclear option, Andrew Smith MP is a strong supporter of nuclear power. He is out of touch with public opinion.
"We are confident that if the proposed public consultation into nuclear power is run fairly and honestly, people will give a resounding no to nuclear power. Regrettably, however, the Government has a poor track record of listening."
"The UK is awash with renewable resources, but Gordon Brown wants to continue shovelling taxpayers' cash into the ailing and discredited nuclear industry, at the cost of damaging the fledgling renewables market. Today's proposals undermine the green energy industry.
"We have the potential to become a world leader in renewables and energy efficiency. Britain is better placed to give a lead than any other country in Europe," said Mr Tatchell.
Says Green Councillor Craig Simmons, leader of the City Green Group:
"Despite indifference from the Labour Government, Oxford's Green Group has led the way on reducing the City's carbon footprint. Thanks to the Greens, if you are over 60 or have chldren under 5 you can now get your house insulated for free. Both City and County now purchase Green electricity, our planning system encourage green building design, the mayor drives a hybrid vehicle and the Council is proceeding to set up a new renewable energy supply company and exploring sites for wind and solar installations. All of this will pay big dividends in the future as well as helping those in fuel poverty now." Oxford Greens still face substantial opposition to some of their measures. Labour tried to cut the Green-proposed carbon-reduction money in this years budget and both LibDems and Labour joined forces to remove £250k targeted at improving energy efficiency from the City's Council House budget. Note to Editors: Britain gets just 2% of its energy from renewables. In Germany, where government support for the renewables has been unstinting and comprehensive, this figure has more than tripled. www.german-renewable-energy.comOxford East MP Andrew Smith is a strong supporter of Nuclear Power (see www.publicwhip.org.uk which rates him on his voting record as being 100% in support). [2] See www.lowcarbonlife.net incl. article written for Independent on the White Paper.
Cllr. Craig Simmons
Green Group
Oxford City Council (St. Mary's Ward)
Oxfordshire County Council (East Oxford Division)
41 Magdalen Road, Oxford OX4 1RB
Tel: 01865 202257
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