Commenting on news that the expected takeover of British Energy by French energy company EDF has fallen through, Nathan Argent, head of Greenpeace's nuclear campaign, said:
"This is a hammer blow for Brown's deluded nuclear ambitions. If this deal had gone ahead, it would have been a disaster for renewable energy in the UK. A push for more nuclear power would scupper the UK renewable energy industry, and, by doing so, cancel out the prospect of creating hundreds of thousands of British green-collar jobs.
"Now is the time for Brown to show some courage. This is his chance to make the decision to finally ditch the government's failing nuclear policy.
"A report out today by independent energy experts shows that if we meet the 2020 renewable energy target, we'll close the energy gap and cut emissions by almost 40 per cent. If Brown has any bottle, this is his perfect chance to show it.
"This takeover would have taken us back to the old days of a state-subsidised, monopolised nuclear power sector. The French government, via EDF, would have the monopoly, while the British government, via the taxpayer, would have shelled out subsidies to the tune of billions."
ENDS
Greenpeace press office: 020 7865 8255
