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Press Release

Huhne backs new nuclear at Lib Dem conference

21 September 2011

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne backed new nuclear in his keynote environmental speech at this week’s Liberal Democrat party conference.

In front of a packed audience of Lib Dem supporters Huhne laid out his vision for the UK’s "greenest-ever government" – and backed new nuclear build to ensure UK’s low-carbon future – and bring much need jobs to the UK’s stuttering economy.

Huhne said: "One abiding set of values that all Liberal Democrats share is a respect for our environment, natural systems and sustainability. With this conference's backing, we will hold course to be the greenest government ever."

He added: "Personally, I have no doubt that climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face. "

He acknowledged people’s priorities changed at a time of challenging economic times when the public were more concerned about their jobs and standard of living, but he added: "But cutting carbon is not a luxury to be ditched when the going gets tough. It is essential to the survival of mankind as a species."

"The science is ever more clear. Cutting carbon is also a vital part of our recovery from the deepest recession since 1929."

Huhne targeted nuclear as a key component of future government planning – and a part of the UK’s switch to a low-carbon economy that would produce thousands of jobs.

"…New jobs in nuclear too, without a penny of public subsidy. And providing that we stick to the strictest safety standards in the world, and learn the lessons of Fukushima."

"All told, energy investment will be £200 billion in the next ten years, double the normal amount as we replace Britain's ageing power stations. Our Electricity Market Reforms will mean three quarters of our electricity comes from low carbon sources by 2030."



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