Burnham-On-Sea’s former MP has spoken out in favour of renewable energy this week after EDF delayed its final decision on building Hinkley Point C and in the wake of a decision to give the go-ahead to a row of unpopular power pylons through the area.
Tessa Munt, who was Burnham’s Lib Dem MP from 2010 to 2015, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “This week, EDF’s board should have made a final investment decision on Hinkley C but the extent of internal concern at the risks – that it might bankrupt the company – meant that this was postponed indefinitely.”
“Renewable energy is the only viable solution. It is better for the environment, the economy, and for the long-term – our grandchildren won’t curse us for it. And it doesn’t come with the risk of a nuclear meltdown.”
She added: “My long-held objections to this dirty, risky, outdated and hugely expensive nuclear reactor are well documented. It seems that others – members of the public, journalists and some politicians – are realising that nuclear power, which is utterly dependent on foreign control through investment, is not the solution. And Hinkley C represents exceptional risks, as even financial analysts have pointed out.”
Ms Munt also hit out at the approval of National Grid’s huge power lines between Hinkley Point and Avonmouth, which will come close to the villages of Mark, East Huntspill and Rooksbridge in the Burnham-On-Sea area.
“I campaigned vociferously against pylons on the Somerset levels and moors before I was elected, throughout my time in Parliament and have not changed my view since the election last May,” she said.
“Local people were brilliant in presenting the arguments against the pylons over the years that this process dragged out. So I share their dismay and disappointment that the Conservative Government decided to approve these monstrous pylons.”
“I am left baffled by our new MP’s inaction, failing to even bring his colleague, Minister and friend Amber Rudd to Somerset to see exactly what impact her plans would have before she signed them off. A 15 minute end-of-day debate simply doesn’t cut the mustard when it comes to challenging the real damage which will be caused to our beautiful landscape, precious environment – and our tourism industry, which relies on both.”
Burnham’s MP James Heappey gave his reaction to the pylons announcement here after the decision.
