05/12/2001
Environment Minister not consulted over Sellafield MOX plant
Environment Minister Sam Foster has revealed he was not consulted before a licence was issued for a controversial mixed oxide plant at Sellafield.
Mr Foster told the Northern Ireland Assembly on Tuesday that he had not been consulted by the government on the decision to press ahead with the MOX plant, on the same day members unanimously called for the closure of the entire nuclear plant located in Cumbria.
On Monday, an international court rejected an attempt by the Irish Government to halt the opening of the new mixed oxide nuclear reprocessing (MOX) plant on December 20.
Mr Foster said he had since written to his counterpart in Westminster Margaret Beckett, and Trade and Industry Minister Stephen Byers, on the security implications of the decision.
SDLP member MLA Eddie McGrady, meanwhile, tabled an amendment, calling on the government to withdraw the licence for the MOX plant and begin the rundown of Sellafield.
Mr McGrady described the commissioning of the MOX plant as “an unjustified and unnecessary expansion of nuclear operations”.
He said: “The September 11 attacks in New York and Washington, and the retributive air attacks by the USA and Britain on the Taliban in Afghanistan have precipitated concerns about a possible attack at Sellafield, the release of radioactive discharges into the atmosphere, and the impact of such discharges on the land and sea.
“Such concerns need to be reflected and recognised in the government’s clearly defined contract with the nuclear industry.”
A number of other local politicians including DUP leader Ian Paisley condemned the lack of consultation, adding he would be raising the issue in the House of Commons. (MB)
Mr Foster told the Northern Ireland Assembly on Tuesday that he had not been consulted by the government on the decision to press ahead with the MOX plant, on the same day members unanimously called for the closure of the entire nuclear plant located in Cumbria.
On Monday, an international court rejected an attempt by the Irish Government to halt the opening of the new mixed oxide nuclear reprocessing (MOX) plant on December 20.
Mr Foster said he had since written to his counterpart in Westminster Margaret Beckett, and Trade and Industry Minister Stephen Byers, on the security implications of the decision.
SDLP member MLA Eddie McGrady, meanwhile, tabled an amendment, calling on the government to withdraw the licence for the MOX plant and begin the rundown of Sellafield.
Mr McGrady described the commissioning of the MOX plant as “an unjustified and unnecessary expansion of nuclear operations”.
He said: “The September 11 attacks in New York and Washington, and the retributive air attacks by the USA and Britain on the Taliban in Afghanistan have precipitated concerns about a possible attack at Sellafield, the release of radioactive discharges into the atmosphere, and the impact of such discharges on the land and sea.
“Such concerns need to be reflected and recognised in the government’s clearly defined contract with the nuclear industry.”
A number of other local politicians including DUP leader Ian Paisley condemned the lack of consultation, adding he would be raising the issue in the House of Commons. (MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 January 2024
Highrise Safety Cannot Progress Without Minister – Alliance
The Alliance Party has raised concerns that new safety plans by the Department for Communities designed to address fire safety in high rise buildings will not be delivered without a Minister to take them forward.
Highrise Safety Cannot Progress Without Minister – Alliance
The Alliance Party has raised concerns that new safety plans by the Department for Communities designed to address fire safety in high rise buildings will not be delivered without a Minister to take them forward.
22 March 2024
Communities Minister Pledges To Address The Housing Crisis
The Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has committed to increasing the number of social homes and providing more affordable housing options, in his keynote address at the Northern Ireland Housing Conference.
Communities Minister Pledges To Address The Housing Crisis
The Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has committed to increasing the number of social homes and providing more affordable housing options, in his keynote address at the Northern Ireland Housing Conference.
19 March 2024
Health Minister Opens Newly Renovated Toome Surgery
Health Minister Robin Swann has officially opened the newly renovated Toome Surgery in County Antrim, following a £600,000 investment from the Department of Health.
Health Minister Opens Newly Renovated Toome Surgery
Health Minister Robin Swann has officially opened the newly renovated Toome Surgery in County Antrim, following a £600,000 investment from the Department of Health.
12 February 2024
Economy Minister Holds Meeting With Irish Minister For Enterprise
The Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has held a meeting InterTradeIreland's office in Newry with Ireland's Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD. Highlighting the importance of holding an early meeting with Minister Coveney, Minister Murphy said that the topic of discussion was "how we can prosper from the Windsor Framework".
Economy Minister Holds Meeting With Irish Minister For Enterprise
The Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has held a meeting InterTradeIreland's office in Newry with Ireland's Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD. Highlighting the importance of holding an early meeting with Minister Coveney, Minister Murphy said that the topic of discussion was "how we can prosper from the Windsor Framework".
25 January 2024
SDLP Challenges PM To Back UN Call For Gaza Ceasefire
Colum Eastwood has challenged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to ensure the UK backs the United Nations' call for a ceasefire in Gaza. During Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday the SDLP Leader and MP asked the PM would the UK's representative vote in favour of the next UN resolution on a ceasefire. The UK abstained on the last UN vote.
SDLP Challenges PM To Back UN Call For Gaza Ceasefire
Colum Eastwood has challenged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to ensure the UK backs the United Nations' call for a ceasefire in Gaza. During Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday the SDLP Leader and MP asked the PM would the UK's representative vote in favour of the next UN resolution on a ceasefire. The UK abstained on the last UN vote.