News from Sheffield Labour

Penistone MP slams Lib Dems for nuclear power double standards

Angela Smith, Labour MP and campaigner against the withdrawal of funding to Forgemasters, has today slammed Lib Dem controlled Sheffield Council for sending out mixed messages over nuclear power, after the Lib Dem councillors backed a motion which rejected the building of a new generation of nuclear power stations in the UK.

This was in the same week that Nick Clegg, their leader said funding might be made available to lend Forgemasters the £80m to build parts for those same reactors and Paul Scriven asked the company to apply for a loan from the regional growth fund.

Slamming the Lib Dems, the MP, said: “Any company needs stability when making major investment decisions. These mixed messages by ruling Lib Dems do not help any investment decision.

“There is no way you can be in favour of lending money to Forgemasters if you do not believe in building a new generation of nuclear power stations. I have to tell the Lib Dems that is exactly what any new 15,000 ton press at Forgemasters will be used far.

“The Lib Dems need to make up their mind; do they want new nuclear power stations or not, if they don’t they should stop playing politics with one of Sheffield’s major manufacturers.”

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