Statement Letter sent to The Guardian, regards
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/oct/05/green-party-nuclear-power-policy
The Green Party has taken a wrong turn on nuclear.
UK households already pay what amounts to a nuclear tax to fund Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, among the world’s most expensive nuclear projects. Meanwhile, renewables generate 52% of UK electricity – more than four times nuclear’s contribution.
Globally, the contrast is starker. In 2025, solar capacity grew by 510GW and wind by 159GW, against just 1.5GW for nuclear: a 462:1 ratio. Renewables supplied 85.6% of new global generating capacity. Nuclear now adds in a year roughly what renewables add every two days.
With 20-plus-year construction times, repeated delays and huge cost overruns, new nuclear diverts scarce resources from faster options. Renewables, storage, efficiency and stronger grids can deliver much more for every pound spent.
Nuclear is increasingly marginal: too costly and too slow for the climate and energy challenges we face. For the UK, the direction of travel is clear.
Co-signed
Dr Paul Dorfman, Bennett Scholar, Bennett Institute, University of Sussex
Tom Burke CBE, Former CEO of Friends of the Earth and the Green Alliance.
Dr Ian Fairlie, Vice President, CND
Dr Phil Johnstone, Visiting Fellow, Global Studies, University of Sussex
Jonathon Porritt, Writer and Campaigner on Sustainable Development
Prof Andy Stirling, Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex
Dr David Toke, Reader in Energy Politics, University of Aberdeen
Prof Steve Thomas, Emeritus Professor of Energy Policy, University of Greenwich
Prof Brian Wynne, Emeritus Professor of Science Studies, University of Lancaster | 
