Energy Minister, Andrew Bowie’s visit to Sizewell to announce the triggering of the Sizewell C DCO
A massive thank you to all those that turned up at short notice to brave the freezing temperatures on Monday 15th January to be part of the joint protest with Stop Sizewell C against the minister’s visit.
The government portrayed the minister’s visit as a major milestone marking the start of construction but in reality, work started over two years ago with the destruction of Coronation Wood and has continued since with the clearance of hundreds of acres in the Coast and Heaths National Landscape, including areas of the Sizewell Marshes SSSI.
Minister Bowie’s visit was more about political theatre than anything of substance, Bowie being at least the fifth different minister to turn up at Sizewell in a desperate attempt to show the project is progressing.
TASC issued the following press statement prior to the minister’s arrival:-
After broken promises of a return visit to Suffolk to meet with local communities affected by the proposed Sizewell C nuclear power station, Energy Minister Andrew Bowie has finally arrived at Sizewell today to trigger the Development Consent Order and enable construction to begin on the controversial project.
Jenny Kirtley, Chair of Together Against Sizewell C, condemned the decision, stating: “By enabling Sizewell C construction to start, the UK government, as majority shareholder, is permitting permanent environmental damage to the Heritage Coast and biodiversity of East Suffolk, directly contradicting its own green agenda. The government is recklessly pursuing Sizewell C despite no final investment decision, no updated cost estimates, no nuclear site licence, no final sea defence design or guaranteed water supply for the plant’s 60-year operational lifespan – meaning there is no certainty that Sizewell C will ever be completed. Driven by nuclear ideology rather than practicality, the government is showing blatant disregard for the protected landscape of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and its environment. This heart-breaking decision to destroy the local area is even more galling as taxpayer money is funding the project.”
After events onsite, Together Against Sizewell C and Stop Sizewell C briefly met with Minister Bowie and DESNZ officials. There was a frank discussion starting with the Minister apologising for failing to stick to his promise to meet with Town and Parish Councillors. We conveyed our great concerns about the exclusion of NGOs from the Sizewell C Community forums, the lack of adequate coastal defences, the impacts on the local communities, the secrecy around the cost of the project and timing of a Final Investment Decision.
TASC really appreciate all your support, we could not do this without you.
