Bid to restore Bristol's 'nuclear free' status
Written by Pete Goodwin Thursday, 17 September 2009
Bristol South Green Party has reminded council leader Barbara Janke of her 2006 commitment to consider making the city 'Nuclear Free'.
At Tuesday's full council meeting, Green activist Peter Goodwin used the 'public forum' to ask that the city should rejoin the Association of Nuclear Free Local Authorities - a group of councils that share information and expertise to deal with nuclear issues arising in their localities due to the military and civil nuclear programmes.
He reminded members of Cllr Janke's assurances given to Cllr Bolton when, in September 2006, she welcomed his support for the steps she was taking toward joining. But in the event, political changes in the council meant the move was dropped.
Now, says Mr Goodwin, with the government wanting more nuclear power stations and more nuclear waste in the area, it's even more important to be prepared.
"We need to share expertise with other authorities, and to set out the case against proliferation. There are no significant costs for the council."
"Naturally, we'll be asking Barbara what progress she's making"
ENDS
Notes:
- The Association of Nuclear Free Local Authorities includes major cities including Greater Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, and Liverpool; counties inc. Lancashire; Severnside authorities inc. Newport and Cardiff.
- Cllr Janke's 2006 assurances are on record from the full council meeting on September 12 (page 43) here (pdf)
Contact:
Peter Goodwin, 01275 543280
Charlie Bolton, (work) 0117 353 4580