Election candidates views on Nuclear and Wylfa Newydd

The state of the economy, and specifically the arguments for and against nuclear power, have dominated political thinking on Anglesey for decades.
The early 21st century has been a tale of largely economic woe for the island, with the loss of almost 500 well-paid jobs at Anglesey Aluminium still being over ten years on.
Meanwhile, further blows have seemed to be a regular occurrence over subsequent years, including the closure of the Welsh Country Foods abattoir in Gaerwen with 350 workers losing their jobs in 2013 and jobs continuing to be shed at the original Wylfa Magnox plant – which employed  512 workers when it stopped producing electricity in late 2015.
Nuclear, as contentious as it is, has always had its detractors on the island with a well-known campaign group, People Against Wylfa B (PAWB) vociferously opposing a new plant – recently describing it as a “capitalist and destructive scheme” and urging decision makers to look at alternative means of generating both electricity and jobs.
But while the economic hopes of many were pinned on Wylfa Newydd – another nuclear plant expected to employ a thousand people once up and running – the project was dealt a major blow in January when its backers, Hitachi, announced it was suspending the multi billion pound development due to funding difficulties.
In what had hoped would be a kick-starter to restarting the project, the UK Government was last month expected to grant a Development Consent Order to construct the £12bn  power station.
But in a surprise move, the energy secretary announced that she was withholding planning permission until more information was made available, asking for another five months to obtain additional information on environmental and other impacts on Anglesey.
While a decision is expected within the next parliament, Anglesey will have a new member sitting on the green benches whatever happens on December 12.
Albert Owen, who represented the island for 18 years, was a staunch backer of a new plant.
But what do his would-be successors think about the prospect of another development, considered contentious by many?
 
 
Aled ap Dafydd, Plaid Cymru
“Nuclear often divides opinion and I know I’d be representing people who take different views on Wylfa.

“It’s important for Ynys Mon’s MP to recognise that a new power station could bring real economic benefits, and I’d work to maximise that.

“We also need a strong voice to protect the island’s interests in the face of the potential negative elements, too, not least the sheer scale of such a huge building project.

“We must also remember the hugely exciting developments in green energy on Anglesey, especially off our coast, that can also bring real economic benefits.”

Helen Jenner, Brexit Party
“Nuclear power is clean and sustainable, generating zero- emissions.
“It is the most obvious way forward in terms of making our planet more ‘green’.
“We must abandon this ridiculous idea that wind turbines are the best way to
generate power.
“Unlike nuclear power, onshore wind turbines are a blight on the landscape and only provide income for landowners.
“I hope the Welsh Government will re-think their disastrous energy proposals and get behind nuclear power too.
“It would be fantastic to see Wylfa Newydd up and running soon, especially because it will provide much needed jobs for people on the island.”
 
 
Mary Roberts, Labour
“The Labour manifesto is clear in its backing to deliver Wylfa Newydd.

“It is critical that we transition to a zero carbon economy.

“Alongside investment in renewables, new nuclear will play a vital part in this – a fact both the UK Committee on Climate Change and National Grid have recognised following substantial analysis.

“Wylfa Newydd will be the largest project in Wales bringing high quality jobs and a huge boost to the local economy.

“It is supported by Labour locally, in Welsh Government and at UK level.
 
 
 
Virginia Crosbie, Conservative
She has also been approached to comment.

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter