Nuclear waste disposal debate

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Carlisle to host nuclear waste disposal debate

The arguments for and against siting a geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste in west Cumbria will be debated by local MPs, scientists, nuclear workers and industry leaders at a seminar taking place in Carlisle on January 25.

The event follows fears that a decision by three Cumbrian local authorities not to proceed to the next stage of investigations into the feasibility of the site will prevent detailed and balanced consideration of all the facts.

Organisers – the Sellafield Workers' Campaign (SWC) and TUSNE (Trade Unionists for Safe Nuclear Energy) – say expert advice obtained by the nuclear union Prospect demonstrates that the arguments put so far, mainly based on the work of two academics, should not be taken at face value.

Delegates will hear:

  • Mark Higson, Chief Executive of the Office for Nuclear Development, discuss
     what the GDF process involves
  • John Clarke, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), call for more evidence and less emotion
  • Professor Neil Chapman, chair of the NDA’s Radioactive Waste Management Technical Advisory Panel Directorate, discuss the scientific and technical arguments.

Local MPs John Stevenson and Jamie Reed will also address the meeting while Prospect's Director of Communications and Research, Sue Ferns, will present the union perspective and SWC's Craig Dobson will describe what the facility would mean for jobs and investment.

TUSNE chair and Unite National Officer, Kevin Coyne, will open the discussion. Speaking beforehand he said: "For there to be a full and proper debate there needs to be a full and proper investigation into the feasibility of a geological disposal facility in Cumbria. Only then can we consider how best to proceed. This issue is too important to make decisions without all the evidence."

Mike Graham, National Secretary for Prospect North, said: "Prospect is not seeking to pre-empt decisions, but simply to ensure that this exercise proceeds to the stage of allowing more consideration of the arguments so that all the scientific evidence can be assessed on its merits."

The seminar is being held at the Hallmark Hotel, Court Square, Carlisle CA1 1QY and starts at 10am. It is by invitation only but open to the press. If you would like to attend please contact 0151 728 9028 or email [email protected] Nuclear workers will be available for interview afterwards.