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Nuclear power 'must be on agenda' Nuclear power 'must be on agenda'
(20 minutes later)
Nuclear power is needed to help reduce carbon emissions and to ensure secure energy supplies, Tony Blair has said.Nuclear power is needed to help reduce carbon emissions and to ensure secure energy supplies, Tony Blair has said.
He spoke ahead of the publication of the Energy White Paper which proposes a large increase in renewable energy. He spoke as the Energy White Paper was published, proposing a large increase in renewable energy.
The White Paper says there should be a mix of energy - and Mr Blair said that nuclear power must be "on the agenda".The White Paper says there should be a mix of energy - and Mr Blair said that nuclear power must be "on the agenda".
Industry Secretary Alistair Darling told MPs a decision on nuclear power was needed by the end of the year. A consultation will run until October.Industry Secretary Alistair Darling told MPs a decision on nuclear power was needed by the end of the year. A consultation will run until October.
Mr Darling also said there would be an expansion of energy efficiency measures - saying it was his "first priority".Mr Darling also said there would be an expansion of energy efficiency measures - saying it was his "first priority".
Low carbon Standby waste
In an article earlier Mr Blair said: "It is right that we consider how nuclear power can help to underpin the security of our energy supply without increasing our reliance on fossil fuels. He said proposals included plans for a free visual "real time" display to show homeowners how much electricity they were using.
"We can meet our carbon dioxide emissions targets, but only if we are willing to think ahead and take tough decisions over new wind farms - and give serious consideration to nuclear power." And he said they would work with industry to "phase out" inefficient goods and energy-consuming standby switches.
He also said energy firms would be encouraged to work with their customers to improve efficiency.
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS UK nuclear energy optionsNUCLEAR POWER PLANTS UK nuclear energy options
He said the government would encourage the design of more energy efficient homes, more use of biofuels and hybrid cars, and new technology in coal and gas-fired power stations to cut emissions. And it would also be made easier for homeowners to generate their own energy, through solar panels and wind turbines, by removing barriers and making licensing easier.
He said by 2015, he expected 15% of energy supplies to come from renewable sources - triple the amount it provides today and he wanted British industry to be at the forefront of new, green technologies.
But he added: "We can't become a low carbon economy in a single step".
Toxic waste
The government had reached a preliminary view that it would be in the public interest to allow energy companies to invest in nuclear power, he said.
Immediately before the statement was published Mr Blair told MPs at the prime minister's questions: "If we want to have secure energy supplies and reduce CO2 emissions, we have got to put the issue of nuclear power on the agenda."
Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell had accused him of appearing to "disregard the issue of risk and cost and toxic waste" and asked for more investment in renewable energy and "clean coal technology".
UK'S ENERGY PRESSURES Supplies of cheap domestic gas are running lowOil and gas prices have risen dramaticallyGovernment aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% of 1990 levels by 2010Nuclear generates 20% of the UK's electricityAll but one of UK's nuclear power stations are set to close by 2023 and no more are planned Key points: Energy statement
But Mr Blair replied: "We are not going to be able to make up through wind farms all the deficit on nuclear power. We are just not going to be able to do it."
The planning process for power stations is set to be streamlined by changes outlined on Monday.The planning process for power stations is set to be streamlined by changes outlined on Monday.
'Big mistake'
Ahead of the White Paper's publication Mr Darling told the BBC's Today programme that he had been sceptical about nuclear power when he first came into his job.
But he had become convinced that it was essential both to reduce carbon emissions and ensure the UK was not dependent on unstable regimes for its energy supplies.
He said: "Whether you like it or not, nuclear power is a low carbon-emitting source.
UK'S ENERGY PRESSURES Supplies of cheap domestic gas are running lowOil and gas prices have risen dramaticallyGovernment aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% of 1990 levels by 2010Nuclear generates 20% of the UK's electricityAll but one of UK's nuclear power stations are set to close by 2023 and no more are planned
"To exclude nuclear would be a big mistake."
The White Paper was originally due to be published in March, but the government was told to consult again after a legal challenge by environmental campaign group Greenpeace.The White Paper was originally due to be published in March, but the government was told to consult again after a legal challenge by environmental campaign group Greenpeace.
Chancellor Gordon Brown - who will take over as prime minister in June - is also thought to back building more nuclear power stations.
'Total honesty''Total honesty'
Chancellor Gordon Brown - who will take over as prime minister in June - is also thought to back building more nuclear power stations.
Shadow trade and industry secretary, Alan Duncan, for the Conservatives, said the nuclear industry needed "total honesty" from the government so it could get a clear idea of costs to encourage investment.Shadow trade and industry secretary, Alan Duncan, for the Conservatives, said the nuclear industry needed "total honesty" from the government so it could get a clear idea of costs to encourage investment.
He said there remained "enormous doubt" over issues such as how waste would be dealt with and the likely costs of new plants to the industry.He said there remained "enormous doubt" over issues such as how waste would be dealt with and the likely costs of new plants to the industry.
NUCLEAR WASTE MAPWhere waste is produced and stored around the UKEnlarge Map
He also urged the government needed to "pick up the pace" on renewables.He also urged the government needed to "pick up the pace" on renewables.
The Tories are in favour of nuclear power but oppose subsidies or price guarantees for nuclear firms.The Tories are in favour of nuclear power but oppose subsidies or price guarantees for nuclear firms.
NUCLEAR WASTE MAPWhere waste is produced and stored around the UKEnlarge Map
But Liberal Democrat trade and industry spokeswoman Susan Kramer said nuclear was a "diversion" which could not be used to heat people's homes - as heating systems ran on gas.But Liberal Democrat trade and industry spokeswoman Susan Kramer said nuclear was a "diversion" which could not be used to heat people's homes - as heating systems ran on gas.
She said it would only supply about 3.8% of the energy needed, adding: "It's very much at the margins, so it doesn't deal with the security problem." She added: "The long term goal is to get to a completely renewable energy society. We can do it by 2050, if we don't go and divert ourselves off by putting our investment into nuclear."
The Green Party's Caroline Lucas said Britain should concentrate on being more energy efficient and funding alternative renewable energy sources.
'No chance''No chance'
She said it would only supply about 3.8% of the energy needed, adding: "It's very much at the margins, so it doesn't deal with the security problem."
She added: "The long term goal is to get to a completely renewable energy society. We can do it by 2050, if we don't go and divert ourselves off by putting our investment into nuclear."
The Green Party's Caroline Lucas said Britain should concentrate on being more energy efficient and funding alternative renewable energy sources.
And there is strong opposition in Scotland, where First Minister Alex Salmond has said there is "absolutely no chance" of new nuclear power stations being built.And there is strong opposition in Scotland, where First Minister Alex Salmond has said there is "absolutely no chance" of new nuclear power stations being built.
HAVE YOUR SAY Anti-nuclear protesters don't understand that at this time there's no alternative Andy, UK Send us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAY Anti-nuclear protesters don't understand that at this time there's no alternative Andy, UK Send us your comments
But BBC Scotland Political Editor Brian Taylor said there was unlikely to be a "big clash" between the two parliaments, as there was already "something approaching a deal" to allow Scotland's energy requirements to be met by a huge increase in renewable energy.But BBC Scotland Political Editor Brian Taylor said there was unlikely to be a "big clash" between the two parliaments, as there was already "something approaching a deal" to allow Scotland's energy requirements to be met by a huge increase in renewable energy.
And while Westminster has control over Britain's energy policy, the Scottish Parliament has control over its planning, and also has to give consent for new power stations over a certain size under the Electricity Act.And while Westminster has control over Britain's energy policy, the Scottish Parliament has control over its planning, and also has to give consent for new power stations over a certain size under the Electricity Act.