GMB Says The Best Long-Term Solution Is To Manage Nuclear Waste At Sellafield As Government Announces Consultation To Find Site

Phil Black - PII Editor 13/09/2013

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If the current consultation is successful then government should start talking to union about a proper strategy for the nuclear industry in the UK with Sellafield at its centre says GMB

GMB, the union for nuclear industry workers, commented on the announcement today (12th September) of the launch of a public consultation on the site selection process for a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) for higher activity radioactive waste, as part of the Managing Radioactive Safely (MRWS) programme. See notes to editors for announcement by Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Gary Smith, GMB National Secretary for Energy and Chris Jukes GMB Regional Officer said “GMB agrees that we need a solution to the long-term storage for long-term waste in order to retain public support for the industry. It is crucial that we get a solution to allow nuclear new build to happen too. Nuclear new build is crucial in terms of keeping the lights on, job creation and crucially tackling climate change.

We broadly welcome the government”s new consultation. This gives them the chance to put right their shambolic performance during the previous consultation process whilst addressing this crucial issue.

Whilst fully respecting the fact that there needs to be a proper consultation process, GMB has always believed we also need to be honest with the public. The best long-term solution is to manage the waste at Sellafield. The site has great skills and experience. The local community are supportive of the nuclear industry too. Local people know the economic benefits the industry brings to West Cumbria.

However, we have been very clear with the NDA, our support for a repository at Sellafield wouldn”t be unconditional. We aren”t going to support turning Sellafield into a nuclear graveyard and nuclear dump. If the current consultation is successful and if we can get to the next stage of a consultation process then we want government to start talking to us about a proper strategy for the nuclear industry in the UK, with Sellafield at its centre. It is imperative that the NDA and Government stop trying to kick the can down the road and lead the community and workforce by the nose, we want concrete plans for the future of the Sellafield site.

Sellafield could be a huge asset for the country with the right startegic plan and leadership”