In response to the Government's decision to back construction of up to ten new nuclear power stations, Morgan Parry, Head of WWF Cymru said:

"The UK Government can't hide behind the argument that new nuclear power is essential to meet the UK's climate change targets and energy needs. Nuclear power is being presented as an environmental saviour, when it is unnecessary, unsustainable and unsafe. WWF has produced serious and credible reports, using the Government's own models, which demonstrate that we can make deep cuts in our carbon emissions without having to resort to nuclear energy."

"Nuclear power won't make climate change targets."

80% Challenge: Delivering a low carbon Britain, a recent report published jointly by WWF-UK, IPPR and the RSPB, found that it is technically feasible and affordable for the UK to cut its CO2 emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, without using new nuclear power. Our research has also shown that, on a global scale, the world's energy needs can be met using sustainable energy solutions while avoiding dangerous climate change. Alternative solutions could lie in energy efficiency and a rapid roll out of renewable energy, potentially combined with fossil fuel stations equipped with working carbon capture and storage. This could be achieved far more quickly than a new generation of nuclear power plants or indeed a Severn Barrage.

"..the world's energy needs can be met using sustainable energy solutions.."

Nuclear power is a polluting and expensive distraction from the real action required by politicians to tackle climate change. The Government's own environmental advisors, the Sustainable Development Commission, have warned that nuclear power is not the answer to tackling climate change or security of supply. Nuclear power produces electricity; this therefore does not address issues regarding fuel and heating.

The Welsh Assembly Government has been absolutely right in its historical rejection of nuclear power and we'd strongly urge UK Ministers to do likewise.

"The UK should make meeting the EU targets regarding renewable energy its number one priority. Renewables have the potential to start producing clean energy right now, while the nuclear industry won't be able to build the first power station until 2020 at the earliest. Renewables could be producing up to 20 per cent of all UK energy and 40 per cent of UK electricity before the first nuclear power station or Severn Barrage is even functional" added Morgan Parry.