Burnham-On-Sea’s MP has this week said she has “deep-seated reservations” about nuclear power following the government’s expansion of Hinkley Point power station.
Tessa Munt told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It is no secret that I have deep-seated reservations about nuclear power generation.”
“My main concern has always been that no long-term plan exists to deal with the last 60 years’ waste, let alone the next 60 years.”
She added: “However, this week’s news makes it abundantly clear that Hinkley C will go ahead, so my focus now turns to ensuring local people and businesses get the best possible benefit and those who have concerns over the environmental and safety aspects get answers.”
“With my ‘business hat’ on, I will continue to seek guarantees that Treasury Ministers will ensure French and Chinese investment benefits local residents and contributes to the region’s economy, not just their own. I have already met with Treasury Ministers about this, and have been invited back for another meeting on 4th November.”
“This is a huge project, estimated to cost £16bn, and French Government-backed EDF has promised 25,000 jobs over its lifetime. If handled properly, these jobs will be good for Somerset, and the project has the potential to provide a huge boost to the region’s economy.”
The government announced the go-ahead of Hinkley Point’s expansion on Monday following lengthy discussions, as reported here. Ministers and EDF have been in talks for more than a year.
