Government Bailing Out British Energy To Line U.S. Pockets - Stunnell

9.22.00pm GMT Tue 30th Nov 2004

The Government has let the nuclear industry off the hook yet again, according to the Liberal Democrats. Responding to a Written Statement from the Government, which gives a three month extension to the funding of British Energy, Andrew Stunell MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Energy Minister, said: "Once again the Government is letting the nuclear industry off the hook by giving in to British Energy's last minute plea for yet more financial support.

"Even worse, this comes at a time when American-based shareholders are speculating in the company and hoping to make a killing from British taxpayers' money.

"Ministers should pull the plug rather than using our money to bail out the nuclear industry and line the pockets of American shareholders."