Nuclear consequences

Before the government 'shows leadership to get new nuclear power stations built', it must alert both parliament and people to the consequences of major nuclear releases

Before the government 'shows leadership to get new nuclear power stations built', it must alert both parliament and people to the consequences of major nuclear releases.

Three relevant reports have originated from within the nuclear 'community':

• That from the UK Nuclear Installations Inspectorate, the forerunner of the Office of Nuclear Regulation, after Fukushima.
• That from Shunsuke Kondo, chairman of the Japan Atomic Energy Commission, as required by the then Prime Minister, Naoto Kan, after Fukushima.
• That from the IRSN (the French Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety), in 2007-2012.
• This last is at: www.irsn.fr/FR/Actualites_presse/Actualites/Documents/EN_Eurosafe-2012_Massive-releases-vs-controlled-releases_Cost_IRSN-Momal.pdf
  It is in English and includes: 'Section 3 A major nuclear accident in France would be an unmanageable European catastrophe'.
  '3.3 Huge losses: In total, a typical major accident could cost more than € 400b, i.e. more than 20% of annual French GDP, more than 10 years’ economic growth. For lack of other references, this can be compared to the cost of waging a regional war. The country would durably be stunned by such a blow, history would remember the catastrophe for many years, Western Europe would be affected.Two impacts would combine: the country would be irradiated and, in addition, would face extremely heavy losses. In all probability, this would lead to profound political and social transitions'.

Links to all three reports, my studies 'The Case Against Nuclear Power' and 'The Real Lessons of Fukushima', with evidence based on hundreds of references, and my summary 'Nuclear Power's Fatal Flaws' are at: www.energypolicy.co.uk.

For a government to 'wage a regional war' on it's citizens (including themselves), and on neighbouring states when there are less lethal options, seems unlikely to be wise or popular.

Gordon Taylor, Essex

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