Letter to John Sauven, Greenpeace, re Legal action over the UK Energy Review 2006

Text of a letter sent on 11th October 2006 by Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR
 

Dear Mr Sauven

Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) is an independent UK membership organisation of approximately 850 science, design and technology professionals. Our education, research and advocacy activities promote the need for science, design and technology to contribute to social justice, environmental sustainability and the reduction of conflict.

We are writing to express our support for the view that the conduct and conclusions of the UK Energy Review 2006 – in respect of a decision to support new nuclear build – were not fair. In particular, the 2003 Energy White Paper promised “the fullest public consultation and the publication of a white paper setting out the Government’s proposals” prior to any decision on re-opening the door to new nuclear power stations. We do not believe that the 2006 Energy Review lived up to this promise.

We would like to highlight a number of specific criticisms of the consultation process:
that the consultation lasted the minimum period allowed for under the government’s code of practice for consultations, despite the complexity of the issue;
that Question 3 of the consultation paper on nuclear power simply asked about the considerations that should be taken into account when examining this issue, implying that the government was at an early stage in the policy-making process;
that no substantive views were expressed in the consultation paper on many of the issues relevant to nuclear power, hence making it very difficult for respondents such as ourselves to know which aspects were most critical to the government in coming to a decision on the future of nuclear power.

In conclusion, we do feel that the process followed by the government on the nuclear power issue has not been consistent with democratic principles and good governance.

Sincerely

Dr Stuart Parkinson
Executive Director
Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR)

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For further information contact Dr Stuart Parkinson <StuartP@sgr.org.uk>

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