As Germany confirmed that it is to shut all nuclear reactors by 2022 (1), Caroline called on the UK government to follow suit.

She said: "That both the German and Swiss governments have now responded to public pressure and chosen to phase out nuclear power altogether sends a strong message to politicians around the world that we simply do not need nuclear to power our future.

"However, it's also vital that fossil fuel use is not increased in response.

"Nuclear is a dangerous distraction from the real solutions we need for a low carbon economy - renewable energies and a mass scale energy efficiency programme.

"The UK government must now follow this example and end its costly obsession with nuclear - which means no government approval and no public money for new nuclear."

ENDS

Notes

1) http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/30/germany-to-shut-nuclear-reactors