Support grows for nuclear power

Sep 15 2007 by Deborah James, Liverpool Daily Post

A SURVEY has found that Merseysiders are far less worried about the prospect of new nuclear power stations than people elsewhere in England, a survey has found.

More than 100 people were quizzed after taking part in a day-long government-sponsored meeting in Liverpool to explore the controversial issue.

The Liverpool survey found just 28% of those who attended opposed a new generation of nuclear plants, compared to an average of 37% across the country.

With 40% in favour, the 12% margin of support was significantly wider than the average of 8% across England, where 45% voiced support.

But, all the results suggest the Government faces an uphill battle to win over a clear majority to nuclear power, with the decision to build new plants likely to be confirmed within months.

Even a narrow pro-nuclear majority is disputed by environmental groups, who withdrew from the meetings after branding the entire consultation a “farce”.

The green groups insisted the negative aspects of nuclear power – its huge cost, how to dispose of radioactive waste – were being shrouded from people in a “public relations stitch-up”.

Representatives from local authorities, energy companies, business, consumer groups, unions, faith groups and academia gathered in Liverpool a week ago.