High noon in Hangzhou for China's role in UK nuclear power stations says GMB
The UK Government must be hard-headed in pursuit of the national interest and not abandon their commitment with other parties to secure a low carbon and affordable energy future says GMB.
On 4th & 5th September, the Prime Minister attends the G20 summit of world leaders in Hangzhou, China, where a discussion on the future of the Hinkley Point C project will take place.
GMB raised serious concerns more than a year ago about the risks of the Bradwell nuclear site in Essex being handed over lock, stock and barrel to China General Nuclear Power (CGN) as part of the deal to fund Hinkley Point C. (See notes to editors for a copy of GMB press release from June 2015)
GMB supports Hinkley Point C going ahead but believes the Bradwell plant should be scaled back from a contractual obligation to a commitment to examine the feasibility of the project if the Chinese technology is approved by the UK nuclear regulatory authorities.
Justin Bowden, GMB National Secretary, said: "It is High Noon in Hangzhou as Theresa May meets her Chinese counterparts to discuss the future of Hinkley Point C in a final showdown. What is not clear yet is if she will emerge in the Gary Cooper role as hero Marshall Will Kane, or as the villain arriving on the train at noon. The UK Government must be hard-headed in pursuit of the national interest at the same time as not abandoning their commitment, with other parties, to secure a low carbon and affordable energy future.
The Chinese government must be realistic and realise that the future of Bradwell B nuclear power station using Chinese technology is not something that can be covered by a binding contract and what is required is a political agreement: The Chinese companies should submit the technology to the UK Nuclear Regulatory Authorities for approval; then if approved, a final decision on Bradwell B and the supply chain can be made by the elected UK government."
