Nuclear workers call for yes vote

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Nuclear workers call for yes vote to waste store investigation phase

On the eve of a crucial decision over a potential geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste in west Cumbria, nuclear workers are calling on local councillors to vote to allow further scientific assessments.



Three Cumbrian local authorities - Allerdale, Copeland and Cumbria - are due to vote tomorrow (January 30), over whether or not to proceed to stage four of investigations into the feasibility of a site in west Cumbria.

On behalf of 12,000 workers across the nuclear industry, their union Prospect says a yes vote is vital as there is not presently enough robust evidence on which to make such an important policy decision.

Deputy General Secretary Garry Graham said: "We have been searching for a means of dealing with our nuclear legacy for over 30 years. A decision not to proceed to the next stage of feasibility studies will take us straight back to the drawing board.

"The alternative to building a repository is not no radioactive waste, just continued surface storage. Therefore the assessment of the scientific case for a GDF needs to weighed against the pros and cons of the alternatives."

Graham stressed that a vote to continue the feasibility study was not a commitment to agree to the facility. "The next stage consists of experts conducting desk-based geological studies, compiling a waste inventory and discussions over the social and economic implications. It is still a long way from a green light for any excavation or exploratory groundwork.

"Not only does tomorrow's vote have vast implications for the economic wealth of west Cumbria, which relies so heavily on the nuclear industry for jobs and growth, it potentially casts a shadow over any nuclear renaissance in the UK. New nuclear will be vital if we are to achieve the twin goals of security of supply and low carbon generation in the future."