Green Party Ends Blanket Opposition to Nuclear Power
The Green Party of England and Wales voted to end its total opposition to nuclear fission, shifting to a case-by-case assessment of nuclear projects.
Members of the Green Party of England and Wales voted at their conference to end the party's longstanding blanket opposition to nuclear fission. The new policy replaces a commitment to phase out nuclear power with a framework to assess nuclear projects on a case-by-case basis alongside other low-carbon technologies.
While the party continues to prioritize rooftop solar, onshore wind, and offshore wind as primary electricity sources, elected representatives may now support specific nuclear reactors based on their individual merits. Green MP Carla Denyer stated that the decision recognizes a role for nuclear power during the transition to a renewables-based system, noting that maintaining existing plants is a viable low-carbon option.
This shift marks a departure from previous leadership views. Party leader Zack Polanski had previously compared new nuclear investment to creating a fax machine. However, supporters of the motion, including Eugene McCarthy, argued that the climate crisis necessitates considering all available energy options.
