Attempt To Revive Nuclear Power Suffers Another Blow - Huhne

4.42.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 16th Oct 2006

Commenting on the news that British Energy is shutting down units at both Hunterston and Hinckley Point nuclear power stations due to cracks in the boiler tubes, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Chris Huhne MP said: "This is another blow to the Government's attempt to revive nuclear power generation. Without lashings of public subsidy, private investors are simply not going to take the risk on such a failing technology.

"British Energy already has a towering financial debt thanks in part to its need to tackle the legacy of past nuclear power decisions. This will add to the problems."

Commenting on the news that the operator of Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant has been fined £500,000 following a radioactive leak, Mr Huhne said:

"This fine reflects the huge risks associated with nuclear power generation.

"Rather than expending time and money on building new nuclear power stations, the Government should instead focus on ensuring that current sites function safely."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

British Energy Group plc shares plunged 26 per cent on the news.