The Green Party has taken a wrong turn on nuclear.

Posted: 7th October 2026

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