Lib Dem Leader Clegg - Kingsnorth is a "monstrosity"

12.00.00am GMT Fri 14th Mar 2008

What planet is John Hutton living on?

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg has spoken out against the government's short-sighted plans for a new generation of coal-fired power stations, calling the recent Kingsnorth proposal a "monstrosity".

The Government has angered environmentalists this week by warning that Britain needs to burn more fossil fuels to prevent power cuts. Business Secretary John Hutton is overseeing the Kingsnorth proposals and said coal-fired power stations will remain a "key source" of energy in Britain.

Nick Clegg said: "At a time when the Government should be working to reduce the UK's emissions, ministers seem determined to allow a huge new polluting power station at Kingsnorth. What planet is John Hutton living on? Without carbon capture and storage, clean coal is a total myth.

This monstrosity will only emit 20% less than previous coal fired stations, and a massive 75% more than a gas powered plant. Kingsnorth should not be given the go ahead unless carbon capture and storage is part of it from day one".

Geoff Juby, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman for Rochester and Strood added: "Locally and nationally, the Liberal Democrats are united in our opposition to Kingsnorth. In the coming months, we will be working closely with our Lib Dem colleagues at Westminster to oppose the flawed plans for Kingsnorth, and other short-sighted projects in the Thames Gateway which would spell disaster for huge chunks of Medway."

For more information please contact:

Geoff Juby Tel: 07740 590098

Related Links:

Government Failure On Kingsnorth.

Medway Lib Dems Oppose Kingsnorth Power Station .