HANT PRESS RELAEASE : Monday 18 April 2016 : No embargo
HANT has reacted to the headline “Nuclear Upgrade linked to nuclear waste flight plans” (Press & Journal 18/4/16) which reported that the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority plans to spend £8 million to upgrade Wick Airport to allow large aircraft to collect 750 kg of uranium to be transported to the US in return for US uranium to Europe- described as “morally reprehensible” deal by Paul Monaghan MP
At the same time the NDA announced that no decision had been taken on which form of transport was to be used so why spend £8 million if it’s not to be by air ?
So one again the NDA in its usual cavalier attitude without any public consultation announces that an airport which normally has two routes per day is to get this huge investment
What about the funding required to upgrade both the North Line and the A9 ?
Most Caithness residents would consider these a much higher priority to assist local economic development
And if the NDA can produce £8 million without the Dounreay Stakeholder Group or any other local interests having any prior knowledge of this plan
The announcement raises more questions than answers and Highlands Against Nuclear Transport and HANT would urge MP’s, MSP’s and Councillors to question this proposal when there are so many other important projects requiring funding
Chairperson of HANT Tor Justad commented “Not a week goes by without the NDA announcing deals and spending without any prior consultation or reference to the Dounreay Stakeholder Group
This flies in the face of the NDA’s stated aim to be open and transparent and to consult with a wide range of interest before taking action
HANT believes that the NDA cannot be trusted with safeguarding the general public or with decisions which could result in catastrophic consequences in the event of an accident
HANT maintains that its campaign to retain all nuclear waste and spent fuel at or near the sites where it is produced is the safest solution given that there is no national UK depository and no permanent Emergency Towing Vessels safeguarding Scotland’s coastline”
PRESS RELEASE ENDS
More information about HANT on its website : hant.co.uk
E mail : hello@hant.co.uk or
To contact Tor Justad : Chairperson : 07710 392 666