Activists are calling for help to defend trees being trashed for EDF Energy's new nuclear power station in Somerset.

Anti-nuclear activists have sent out a nationwide call for support to stop land being cleared for the construction of a nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset.

Three campaigners braved freezing weather this morning to occupy trees on the 400-site earmarked by EDF Energy for a two new mega-reactors.

South West Against Nuclear (SWAN) said it was outraged that clearance work has already started on the 400-acre site even through full planning consent has not yet been granted.

Michael Hunt, one of three tree occupiers, said:

“Once again we are seeing EDF Energy cutting corners and flouting regulations. This is a very worrying sign. If this is how they operate, how can we trust them to run a nuclear power station safely?”

Fellow campaigner Sarah Stone added: “This whole application for the Hinkley C nuclear power station has been characterized by deceit and corporate bullying. It has made a complete joke out of the British planning system. We urgently need help to defend this land.”

The action comes in the wake of last week's shocking revelation in a report jointly published by Unlock Democracy and The Association for Conservation of Energy. The report entitled, “A Corruption of Governance?” reveals how data provided to MPs and parliament during discussions on national energy policy was skewed in favour of the ‘new nuclear’ option.

The report also outlines that, on the basis of the Government’s own evidence, the UK does not need new nuclear to reduce CO2 emissions. It also asserts that the building of new nuclear power stations to provide electricity is likely to mean higher fuel bills.

The report concludes that this corruption of governance can only be rectified if Parliament re-opens this debate, and MPs vote on this issue having seen the correct information.

Activists across the country have renewed their pledge to gather at Hinkley Point nuclear power station on March 10th for a mass rally against ‘new nuclear’ and to mark the first anniversary of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan.  Nancy Birch, spokesperson for London-base anti-nuclear campaign, Kick Nuclear, said it is time for the public to demand intelligent solutions to climate change.

She added:  “Nuclear power is the worst possible option: it’s extremely expensive and extremely dangerous. We should be following the example of Germany where plans are being put in place to create a sustainable energy system that is not only nuclear-free but affordable and environment-friendly.’

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Notes to Editor

1.     Corruption of Governance report was published last week and presented to ministers at Parliament. It can be found here www.ukace.org

2.     The trees at Hinkley Point were subject to an emergency tree preservation order last March which was dropped by West Somerset District Council in October last year.

3.     For more information on the mass demonstration on March 10th go to: http://stopnewnuclear.org.uk

For more details contact Nancy Birch on: 07980-509986.