Mandelson nuclear debate joined by Rainbow Warrior

The furious debate raging in Hartlepool over the possible construction of a new nuclear power station will be joined by the Rainbow Warrior as the Greenpeace flagship docks in the town.

A press conference on board the famous ship will see Greenpeace executive director Stephen Tindale call on local decision makers to fight the push for a new nuclear plant. Local MP Peter Mandelson has courted controversy by publicly backing a new reactor. Mr Tindale will be joined on the platform by Keith Fisher - the former chairman of Hartlepool labour party who resigned in protest at Mr Mandelson's comments.New public opinion research will be released demonstrating strong local opposition to a new plant. Pollsters ICM found that 73% of people in Hartlepool would rather that new jobs in the area came from manufacturing wind turbines for wind farms at sea rather than building and running a new nuclear power station in Hartlepool. Last week a government report revealed that wind power could generate eight times as much electricity in the UK as our nuclear reactors.

Stephen Tindale will also announce that Greenpeace is commissioning a report into the economic and employment impact on the north east of a large scale offshore wind turbine development. The leading international energy expert ESD will be asked to look at potential employment growth both nationally and locally that might follow if a target of generating 30% of electricity from wind is reached.

Mr Tindale today said: "The new poll clearly shows that local people are against a new nuclear plant in Hartlepool. It is absurd that anyone is even considering new nuclear capacity, especially when the North East is so rich in clean renewable energy sources like windpower. Developing wind power could bring thousands of new jobs to Hartlepool and the surrounding area."

Notes for editors:
For poll results go to www.icmresearch.co.uk

Further information:
Contact: Greenpeace press office on 020 7865 8255