Huhne's three-way split on nuclear

Published on Tuesday 27 July 2010 15:29

IF THE areas for potential Lib Dem/ Conservative splits in the coalition were not already considerable, another one has been added - and with real voltage in Scotland.

In setting out yesterday a commitment to support the development of new nuclear power stations, UK Energy Secretary Chris Huhne looks to have lit the fuse for a clash with the SNP administration in Edinburgh and also with his own Lib Dem back-benchers. Both groups are opposed to new nuclear power stations being built in Scotland.

Indeed, Mr Huhne may even be on a collision course with himself: he was a consistent opponent of nuclear up to and through the election campaign. But, as part of the coalition deal, the Lib Dems have agreed not to vote against proposals for ten new plants, a compromise which he described at the time as "unpleasant". However, whether there will be any speedy progress to building such plants is unclear. Mr Huhne at the weekend indicated there was "no money" for government subsidies for new nuclear plants. The problem with this stance is that it is inconsistent. Why, if other forms of non-fossil-fuel generation are in receipt of subsidies - albeit through higher bills for UK households - is it that nuclear, with carbon emissions on a par with wind and hydro, does not? This energy policy confusion could prove very costly long term.