The plant has been rocked by several enormous blasts in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami which hit the country, causing widespread devastation and loss of life, on March 11.
The problems at the plant have had immediate consequences in other countries with a nuclear power programme. Doris Leuthard, the Swiss Energy Minister, has now suspended approval for three new nuclear power stations in Switzerland and the German government is believed to be about to do a U-turn on its decision to extend the life of its nuclear power stations.
In this country, Kate Hudson, general secretary of CND, said: “Reports from Fukushima indicate a worsening scenario with a partial or full meltdown likely. Reports that the Tokyo Electric Power Company, which runs the plant, are playing down the health risks, are shocking.”
Chris Huhne, the coalition Government’s Energy Secretary, has asked Britain’s chief nuclear inspector, Mike Weightman, for a report on the implications of the situation in Japan for nuclear power stations in Britain.
CND, which next month marks the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster with a parliamentary meeting at Portcullis House, says categorically that “nuclear power is
not the answer” and has reiterated its call for a safe, non-nuclear and sustainable energy policy.
