A motion welcoming the extension of two nuclear power stations in Lancashire ignited a fierce debate at Lancaster City Council, with councillors divided over the safety, economic, and environmental implications of the decision.
A heated debate erupted at Lancaster City Council as councillors clashed over a motion welcoming the decision to extend the lifespan of two nuclear power stations in Lancashire. Last month, EDF Energy announced that Heysham 1 and Heysham 2, located in Heysham near Morecambe, would continue operating until 2027 and 2030 respectively. This prompted Labour councillor Phillip Black, the former council leader who resigned in November, to propose a motion welcoming the news.
Labour councillors and some others sought to have the council declare its 'confidence' in the safety considerations underpinning the date extensions and express support for new nuclear activity at Heysham in the future. This is significant as Heysham is one of the locations being considered by the government for the potential siting of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with the first expected to be delivered by 2029.However, a significant portion of the council, particularly Green councillors, voiced concerns about the two-pronged nature of the motion. They argued that the issues of safety, public health, waste, jobs, clean energy, and the council's role required separate and in-depth consideration. Green councillor Gina Dowding emphasized the council's responsibility to question extending operating dates beyond the sites' designed lifetimes and highlighted concerns regarding unplanned shutdowns and possible incidents. She also stressed the potential risks associated with the proximity of the Heysham nuclear site to densely populated areas. Labour councillor Matthew Black, whose family has a long history of working at the power station, countered these concerns by emphasizing the positive aspects associated with the power stations, such as local pride and job opportunities. Other councillors, including Andrew Gardiner from the Conservative party, expressed support for nuclear power while advocating for more detailed information regarding future developments and timelines. Nick Wilkinson, a Green councillor, cautioned against placing political pressure on scientists. Meanwhile, Tim Hamilton-Cox, another Green councillor, raised concerns about the lack of a permanent solution for nuclear waste and the speculative nature of SMR promises. Ultimately, the debate highlighted the complex and multifaceted nature of the issue, with differing perspectives on the safety, economic, and environmental implications of extending the lifespan of nuclear power stations
Nuclear Power Heysham Power Station Lancaster City Council Small Modular Reactors (Smrs) Nuclear Waste Renewable Energy Jobs Safety
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Lancaster council to tackle 800 empty homes with new strategyLancaster City Council is launching a new strategy to tackle the issue of empty homes in the district, with a target of bringing 60 properties back into use each year. The council estimates that there are over 800 long-term empty homes in the Lancaster and Morecambe district, and the new strategy will focus on a combination of working with property owners, enforcement action, and financial incentives.
Read more »
New update after Liverpool city centre restaurants were closed suddenlyTwo major city centre venues shut their doors last weekend following inspections by Liverpool City Council
Read more »
Criminal banned from Lancaster city centre after plague of anti-social behaviourA criminal who has plagued businesses with anti-social behaviour and criminal damage has been banned from entering Lancaster city centre, Lancashire Constabulary has announced. Andrew Phimister, 56, of no fixed abode, was initially given a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) in July 2024 for similar offences in Morecambe. His banning order has now been amended to encompass a large area of Lancaster city centre.
Read more »
Lancashire Council Debates Nuclear Power Station ExtensionsA motion to welcome the extension of two nuclear power stations in Lancashire sparked heated debate among councillors, highlighting concerns about safety, waste management, and the future of nuclear energy.
Read more »
Nuclear Lipid Droplets: A Novel Regulator of Nuclear Homeostasis and AgingA new study published in Aging investigates the role of nuclear lipid droplets (nLDs) in cellular aging. The accumulation of nLDs in the nucleus may lead to nuclear instability and contribute to age-related diseases.
Read more »
Ribble Valley Council Plans Millions in Local Spending Amidst Council Reform TalkRibble Valley Council is proposing to invest millions in local projects like Ribblesdale Swimming Pool and artificial sports pitches, accelerating spending plans in response to potential national council reforms.
Read more »