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Energy: National Policy Statements

I declare an interest as the patron of Trade Unions for Safe Nuclear Energy. This has kept the flag flying for nuclear for the past 20 years since Chernobyl and we are now seeing pretty firm dates for increases in the nuclear share. On the question of consultation, I welcome the French involvement. However, I point out, perhaps tongue in cheek, that when we recently met some French energy experts from parliament, they had a joint committee deciding on nuclear sites. We asked them what the procedure was and how much consultation there was with people who would be affected in the localities. The chairman of the French delegation said, "That is an interesting question, but let me tell you that when one is draining a swamp, one does not consult the frogs". We do have consultation built into the Statement, and I shall read the sentence: ""The Infrastructure Planning Commission will make its decisions on the basis of a clear timetable"." It would be nice to see, on a bi-partisan basis from the Opposition Front Benches, a little more strategic agreement up front that we will need all the political leadership we can get on this.