MP comments on government nuclear disposal White Paper

Today the Government launched a new long-term plan to deal permanently with the country's radioactive waste. It follows a consultation on improving the process of finding a site to host a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF). Commenting on the White Paper, South Lakes MP Tim Farron said:

Tim said: "We have an energy crisis but this decision has nothing to do with that - the Geological Disposal Facility should not be foisted on a community without their wholehearted support. The mooted plans to remove the veto for local councils against a nuclear repository is undemocratic and makes an absolute mockery of the idea of localism. The government need to drop that idea, and quickly. Our area is one of the least geologically suitable places to bury this waste in the country - we must not now be forced to store this waste against the will of so many local people, and with such detriment to the Lake District's precious brand"

In 2013, Cumbria County Council's Cabinet voted 7-3 not to proceed to stage four of the Managing Radioactive Waste Safely (MRWS) process. Tim has repeatedly called for the National Park not to be the host of any facility.

Tim is calling for Cumbria County Council to still have a 'key say' in any decision on the GDF in the county.