Stop Hinkley third group in national consultation

Supporters of local campaign group Stop Hinkley submitted more than one in ten of the letters in last year's Government Energy Review, making it the most significant group after Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace in the national consultation.

Over five thousand (5,338) responses were sent to the Government from organisations, campaigners and non-affiliated individuals, offering various views on how the UK should produce its energy whilst reducing carbon emissions and maintaining security of supply. About two thirds of respondents were opposed to nuclear power.

Individuals who identified themselves with local group Stop Hinkley numbered 540, following much larger national groups Friends of the Earth 1,408, and Greenpeace 987. Nuclear operator British Energy, promoting a third nuclear power station at Hinkley, was not mentioned in the list analysing the responses, suggesting employees who took part concealed their link to the industry.

Responses from campaigner supporters were 61% of the total, those from non-affiliated individuals 22% and from organisations 14%.

The news emerged as the current 2007 nuclear consultation draws to a close on 10th October. Last year's consultation was deemed "flawed and misleading" by a High Court Judge who slammed the Government for providing biased and partial information to the public on nuclear power. So the Government was forced into rerunning a nuclear consultation. Stop Hinkley has submitted an updated submission.

Jim Duffy, spokesman for Stop Hinkley said: "We're delighted that so many supporters have taken the time to use us as the source of their submissions. We're proud to produce a stream of accurate and reliable information through our press releases, website and newsletter. Our website received over 2,000 visits in September. I hope as many take part in the current nuclear consultation, saying no to Hinkley C and yes to renewables and energy conservation."

He added: "Nuclear is proving an expensive project with the only current construction in Finland £1 billion over budget and two years behind schedule. Nuclear build in America will only be feasible with massive guarantees on loan defaults yet the UK Government is trying to claim there will be no subsidies for nuclear power. Who are they kidding?"

Members of the public can access Stop Hinkley's website at www.stophinkley.org and take part in the nuclear debate through direct.gov.uk/nuclearpower2007.

Jim Duffy, Stop Hinkley Coordinator, 07968 974805

Notes:

Analysis of Responses to the Energy Review Consultation. DTI/Pub 06/165 June 2006 page 11;
www.berr.gov.uk/files/file31631.pdf disclosed during an interview with a UK think tank examining the Energy Review on 27th September 2007.
Stop Hinkley website monthly analysis for September 2007: 2,037 visits, averaging 67 per day.