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The United Kingdom government has confirmed that it intends to press ahead with plans to 'gerrymander' the planning process so as to allow the 'fast-tracking' of planning approval for a new generation of nuclear power stations.
The Celtic League had written to the Secretary of State for Business, John Hutton, about the issue last month.
A reply from the Minister of State for Energy, Malcolm Wicks, confirms that the United Kingdom government will proceed with the new Planning Bill despite the fact that an initiative of this kind has already drawn criticism from a parliamentary watchdog.
In 2006 the House of Commons (all-party) Environmental Audit Committee, commenting on the possibility of the scenario which has now arisen, concluded that moves to speed up the planning system would be controversial and risky. They said:
"It is difficult to see how the planning and consents process could be reduced below five years without a fundamental reform of regulatory and statutory procedures which might compromise both safety and public accountability,"....
The Celtic League is planning to discuss the matter at its AGM in Dublin later this year. It is hoped the meeting will confirm a coordinated campaign of opposition to the amended planning legislation.
(Correspondence from Mr Wicks to the League below - Original letter from the League to Mr Hutton directly below that):
"BERR
Department of Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform Malcolm Wicks MP
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League 11 CIely Rhennee Kirk Michael Isle of Man IM6 1HT
9 July 2008
Dear Mr Moffatt
Thank you for your letter of 29 June to John Hutton, expressing your concerns about nuclear power stations and the planning process. I am replying as this matter falls within my portfolio.
The proposals set out in the Planning Bill are about improving the planning process for nationally significant infrastructure including transport, energy, water and waste.
Planning is a major issue affecting energy sector investment and the proposed reforms tackle the planning barrier for all nationally significant energy infrastructure. These proposals are intended to provide a more mcertain and transparent system in order to enable necessary investment mto go ahead.
The Planning Bill proposals also improve accountability by creating a single regime which creates a clear distinction between policy setting and decision making roles. Ministers would consult the public and Parliament and then decide national infrastructure policy. Decisions would be taken independently by the infrastructure planning commission, within the legislative framework set by Parliament and policy framework set by Government.
The regulators, such as the Nuclear Installations lnspectorate and the Environment Agency, will continue to play a key role in regulating any new nuclear power.
We are tackling the issue of nuclear waste, both in terms of legacy waste and the waste from new nuclear power stations. We have established the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to provide for the first time a single point of responsibility with a strategic view across radioactive waste management, and reconstituted the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management to provide continued independent scrutiny and advice. Through the Managing Radioactive Waste Safely programme DEFRA are taking forward work to deliver a technical solution for waste disposal that scientific consensus and experience from abroad suggest could accommodate all types of waste from existing and new nuclear power stations.
We made clear in our Nuclear White Paper that our policy is that before development consents for new nuclear power stations are granted, the Government will need to be satisfied that effective arrangements exist or will exist to manage and dispose of the waste they will produce.
MALCOLM WICKS"
"Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform The Rt Hon John Hutton MP Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform 1 Victoria Street London SW1H 0ET
29:06:08
Dear Minister,
I write to express our concern at the apparent intention of the United Kingdom Government to gerrymander the planning system so as to facilitate planning approval for a new generation of nuclear power stations.
I note that you recently said "ministers can help clear away the regulatory obstacles".
I believe that your thinking and that of the government is not only flawed but statements such as this illustrates the contempt that this government has for both the general public and established planning safeguards.
You will no doubt be aware that the House of Commons (all-party) Environmental Audit Committee, commenting on the possibility of the scenario which has now arisen, concluded that moves to speed up the planning system would be controversial and risky. They had the foresight and wisdom to see that proposals such as those you are now advocating compromise both safety and public accountability.
The United Kingdom already has a legacy of both waste and pollution from the last fifty years of the nuclear industry. I suggest that before you consider clearing away 'regulatory obstacles' for another phase of nuclear power station construction your government deals with that horrendous legacy.
Yours sincerely,
J B Moffatt"
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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
12/07/08
The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on socio-economic issues.
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