Anglesey MP welcomes Wylfa developments

Jan 16 2008 By Elgan Hearn

SPEAKING about the latest developments with Wylfa, Anglesey MP Albert Owen has welcomed Government announcements.

He said: "This is an important and positive step forward to meet our energy demands and climate change targets. We need a rich energy mix to achieve our goals – and the nuclear v renewables is a false choice – we need both.

"The case for nuclear power has been made. Now is the time for us to focus the attention on the case for a Wylfa B and for Anglesey. There is broad agreement that existing sites are the most appropriate sites for new nuclear build. Wylfa has the skills base, the expertise and the infrastructure. It has the support of local politicians, the Welsh Affairs Committee and many in the local community.

"Those who oppose nuclear power in Wales do so on perceived risks, but to construct new nuclear in Somerset still has those perceived risks without the economic benefits.

"For the Welsh economy to grow and keep pace safe nuclear generation is needed to meet the energy and low carbon demands."

An expert study predicts that between 2009 and 2012 the decommissioning of Wylfa and the possible closure of the Anglesey Aluminium smelter at Holyhead would result in the loss of 1,500 jobs and £42.2m in wages and salaries.

Anglesey County Council’s leader Cllr Gareth Winston Roberts is urging the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) to lead negotiations which could see a new power station built on the Wylfa site.

The council gave its backing to any possible future plans to build a new nuclear power station on the island in March 2006.

Cllr Roberts said: "This announcement now puts the ball firmly in the NDA’s court and we expect them, as owners of the Wylfa site, to come to the table and lead negotiations on behalf of the people of Anglesey.

"The NDA must play a prominent role if Anglesey is to secure a new generation nuclear power station and safeguard its future economy and contribute towards the UK’s future energy needs.

"More than 20 nuclear power stations could be built around the world during the next few years. We’ve already met with companies interested in building a Wylfa B here on Anglesey, but without the NDA onboard, we’ve only been able to take talks so far.

"The Government’s backing of nuclear energy should now allow the NDA to proactively market Wylfa to the nuclear industry."

Anglesey AM Ieuan Wyn Jones, deputy leader of the Welsh Assembly, said: "My priority as the local Assembly Member for Ynys Môn has always been to safeguard jobs on the island and if yesterday’s announcement is a step towards securing a future for Wylfa then that is good news.

"I have always stressed the need for any future decision to take account of the strategic economic importance of Wylfa to Ynys Môn and the economy of North West Wales."

Dylan Rees, Plaid Cymru parliamentary candidate for Anglesey, said: "It is clear that in the short-term the UK cannot combat the very real threat of global warming and produce available, affordable energy by relying solely on renewable sources.

"Consequently there has to be alternative means of supply and nuclear energy is the only other viable option."

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