ARCHBISHOP URGED TO OPPOSE NUCLEAR POWER PRESS RELEASE

In an open letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury, published on 10 July, Christian Ecology Link argues that the Government has yet to demonstrate that it has paid due attention to the ethical implications of a new nuclear power programme and the replacement of Trident and urges the Archbishop to call upon the Government to allow a Parliamentary debate before determining and announcing policy decisions on either issue. Text follows:

OPEN LETTER TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY - 10 th July 2006

Rt Rev Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, Lambeth Palace, London, SE1 7JU

Dear Archbishop

Reports in the media indicate that the Government is planning to announce the findings of its energy review on Tuesday 11 th July and is currently considering whether to replace Britain ’s independent nuclear deterrent, Trident. These are policy decisions that will determine the direction of energy policy and defence policy for several decades. They demand careful reflection by Government of the profound ethical issues involved, in the context of an open, public debate.

Christian Ecology Link favours a low consumption, non-nuclear, energy strategy and a defence strategy that does not involve the replacement of Britain ’s independent nuclear deterrent. We do so based on Christian principles of wise stewardship, peacemaking, justice, loving our neighbours and moderation in consumption, and noting the close association of civil nuclear power with nuclear weapons.

We believe that the Government has yet to demonstrate that it has paid due attention to the ethical implications of a new nuclear power programme and the replacement of Trident and we urge you to call upon the Government to allow a Parliamentary debate before determining and announcing policy decisions on either issue.

Yours in Christ

Tim Cooper Chairman,
Christian Ecology Link