The Nuclear Debate

On my way back from a short visit to the UK I note that the government have announced a new energy policy that includes an expansion of Nuclear powered electricity generation. As a long term supporter of CND and having watched the first Aldermarston march pass by nearly 50 years ago I feel adequately qualified to comment on this subject.

I also have the experience of living in a country which generates nearly 75% of its electricity from Nuclear power and like all the population have been made aware of the emergency procedures that would click into effect in the event of a "Nuclear Incident". This is an interesting phrase which I suppose is a coverall for Nuclear Accident through to Nuclear Terrorism!

These emergency procedures are based on the local town hall (accurately the Mayors Office) which is required to test the emergency siren once a month at a specific time. If this should go off in earnest, we are to make our way to the Town Hall, in specific order; mothers with young children, pregnant women and then adults. (Old Farts don't seem to get a mention here). A stock of anti-radiation tablets are held there.

Of course, in our village, the timing of a Nuclear Incident is fairly critical on account of the fact that the Town Hall is only open for 2 hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays