ENERGY REVIEW

Early day motion 57, tabled 2 July 2001 by Win Griffiths (Labour). Signed by 194 members.

That this House welcomes the recently announced Energy Review to analyse security of supply for the UK's future energy needs; recognises that changes to the earth's climate require us to take urgent action to substantially reduce our carbon dioxide emissions; notes that renewable energy sources - wind, solar, wave, energy crops - which do not produce carbon dioxide, have the potential to become a secure source of up to 100 per cent. of UK energy needs by 2040; expresses concern at recent press reports that the Government is considering developing new nuclear power plants instead of continuing with the current policy to phase out nuclear power; agrees with The Economist which in May stated that 'nuclear plants continue to depend on vast (and largely hidden) subsidies'; recognises that no adequate management mechanism yet exists for the hugh quantities of dangerous radioactive waste produced via nuclear energy creation, posing a potential environmental risk for generations to come; and urges the Government to reject, for once and for all, the nuclear energy option and to put in place a fiscal and regulatory framework to enable the development of a fully renewable energy system.

Signatures by party: Labour 127, Liberal Democrat 43, Labour/Co-operative 9, Scottish National Party 5, Plaid Cymru 4, Conservative 2, DUP 1, Independent 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.