The UK and Ireland Nuclear Free Local Authorities (NFLA) has backed a joint letter with other nuclear groups raising its deep concerns over the UK Government’s decision to ‘justify’ under European law the two reactor designs for new nuclear electricity generation. The UK Secretary of State Chris Huhne claimed the economic benefits of new nuclear build outweighed any social or health issues. However, the NFLA notes that nuclear investment will damage the nascent local energy revolution which local authorities are leading. This could also damage efforts to tackle climate change. It also noted that nuclear power capital costs are out of control and recent international studies have cast ‘significant doubt’ over the official risk attached to radiation doses received by people living near nuclear reactors. It is still firmly of the belief that only a public inquiry, as called for my many groups and MPs, can ensure these issues are properly resolved. Read the full press release.