Lib Dems say new nuclear power stations will be too late to stop blackouts

Commenting on provisional approval by the EU of EDF's takeover of British Energy, Liberal Democrat Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Steve Webb said:

"The Government is determined to push ahead with new nuclear power stations despite the fact that we won't see a watt of energy from them for a decade.

"The chief executive of the National Grid has warned that energy shortages could lead to blackouts much sooner than that.

"Ministers should be concentrating on renewable energy, carbon capture technology and energy efficiency, rather than celebrating new nuclear power that won't arrive until it's too late."