(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Britons are divided over the issue of building new nuclear power stations in their country, according to a poll by ICM Research published in the Daily Telegraph. 47 per cent of respondents are opposed to the idea, while 40 per cent support it.

In November 2005, British prime minister Tony Blair declared, "Energy prices have risen. Energy supply is under threat. Climate change is producing a sense of urgency. The future is clean energy and nations will look to diversify out of energy dependence on one source."

There are currently 14 functioning nuclear reactors in Britain, which produce 21 per cent of the country's electricity. All but one will reach the end of their operational lifetimes by 2023. 49 per cent of respondents express fears over the safety of nuclear power reactors, while 47 per cent do not.

On May 16, Blair endorsed the construction of new nuclear power stations, saying, "Essentially, the twin pressures of climate change and energy security are raising energy policy to the top of the agenda in the UK and around the world. (...) These facts put the replacement of nuclear power stations, a big push on renewables and a step change on energy efficiency, engaging both business and consumers, back on the agenda with a vengeance. If we don't take these long-term decisions now we will be committing a serious dereliction of our duty to the future of this country."

Polling Data

Prime minister Tony Blair has said that Britain needs to build new nuclear power stations in order to reduce carbon emissions and avoid relying on imports of gas and oil from volatile regions like the Middle East and Russia. Opponents of nuclear power say that cost issues and the problem of radioactive waste mean that other ways of generating power would be better. Do you yourself support or oppose the building of new nuclear power stations in Britain?

How fearful are you over the safety of nuclear power stations?

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