| Jenkin Presses Minister On Bradwell Threat To Blackwater Ecology |
| Thursday, 10 December 2009 09:11 |
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Bernard Jenkin, MP for North Essex, questioned the Environment Minister Huw Irranca-Davies MP on the floor of the House of Commons today. Mr Jenkin, who has been in regular contact with Mersea Oystermen over their concerns for marine life, was keen to receive specific assurances from the Minister that proper studies into a new power station’s potential effects on the Estuary would be properly explored. Mr Jenkin said: “While I am an enthusiast for new nuclear power stations, can I draw his attention to the very serious concerns expressed to me, particularly by local fisher men and local oystermen, that the volume of the outfall of a new power station, is likely to be four times greater than the previous power station, causing serious continuing damage to the ecology of the Blackwater Estuary. Can he give me some assurances that this will be addressed, and possibly by making sure that the intake and outfall will be sufficiently far away?” The Minister replied that the Government had received reports from Natural England, formerly English Nature, that current evidence was not sufficient to suggest that a new power station would have no negative impact. He told Mr Jenkin: “The Honourable Gentleman has been assiduous in representing the local fishermen and people who are concerned about the environment. The Government took this [Natural England’s concerns] on board during the assessment and the conclusions of the habitat regulations assessment reflects this. Natural England have suggested some more assessment is needed, not least on, as the Honourable Gentleman will know, the issue of climate change and rising sea levels as well. “So I can give him an assurance that I will a close eye on this, and so will Natural England, to make sure that the factors he raises are pertinent to this case.” Mr Jenkin has pledged ensure that the concerns of local people are addressed thoroughly before a new power station at Bradwell is given the go-ahead. He said: “People are concerned that a new station at Bradwell could damage the marine environment, and with it, the livelihoods of local fishermen and oystermen. People have also raised safety fears with me that I will also ensure are fully addressed.” |