14th June 2007

Town Hall
Sheffield
S1 2H

Dear Editor,

Steel-makers should reject South Yorkshire's Master Cutler Alan Reid
(Plans for nuclear power 'jobs boost' The Star June 7th ) advice that
Sheffield will benefit from steel making jobs for the nuclear power
industry. Former US Vice President Al Gore speaking in Sheffield this
year rejected nuclear power as a solution to “the planetary emergency of
global warming”. Why does Alan Reid continue to believe that nuclear
power offers security?

Nuclear Power produces electricity. It will not replace oil or gas. It
is far from a secure energy source and would need massive public subsidy
to keep on its feet. Much better to invest in energy efficiency,
renewable energy and low environmental impact transport. Such a policy
would provide energy security and many skilled jobs in our steel and
engineering industries

How can we be free from energy blackmail from overseas suppliers when
three quarters of the worlds uranium comes from Canada, Australia,
Kazakhstan, Russia and Namibia? Like oil and gas, uranium will soon be
used up. Future deposits lie beneath war torn and politically unstable
places like the Congo. Nuclear Power stations are an open target for
terrorist attacks. Radioactive waste is hazardous for thousands of years.

The real danger to security is now climate change. The world is already
on the path to dangerous levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Christian
Aid's 'Coming Clean: Revealing the UK's True Carbon Footprint' report
says that when our extensive and global economic interests are added
together, Britain is responsible for 15% of global emissions. We are
therefore under an obligation to act quickly.

Nuclear Power stations cost millions and takes 10 to 15 years to build.
Due to the falling quality of uranium ore, greenhouse gas emissions from
the nuclear cycle will climb. With less than 10 years left to halt
runaway climate change, billions of pounds spent on nuclear power is a
massive lost opportunity that we cannot afford. That money is needed now
to reduce demand, increase efficiency and invest in renewable energy.

Sheffield describes itself as “the UK's Greenest City.” Lets see
Sheffield's Master Cutler make sure it is and summon the will to act and
grasp the real opportunities that we face.

Yours Sincerely.

Cllr. Bernard Little.