Hutton makes case for coal and nuclear power

Business secretary tells Labour conference that the two controversial sources of energy are crucial for Britain's future
Nicholas Watt, chief political correspondent
guardian.co.uk,
Monday September 22 2008 09:17 BST

Britain needs to undergo a "renaissance in nuclear power", and coal will continue to be a "critically important fuel" for the country, the business secretary, John Hutton, said today.
In an outspoken speech, designed to put pressure on the Tories as they outline restrictions on coal-fired power stations, Hutton said that the two controversial sources of energy are crucial to ensure Britain retains a secure supply of energy.
Hutton said the international battle for energy security poses a threat to Britain's competitiveness and its "sovereignty as a nation".
In his speech to the Labour conference in Manchester, he added: "It means a renaissance in nuclear power. Low carbon, reliable, secure... And because energy security is a first thought, not an afterthought, I will not turn my back on another critical source of energy security for the UK: coal."
The business secretary said he understood that people felt passionate about coal. But he took a swipe at David Cameron, who has said he will ensure that a new generation of "unabated coal power plants" cannot be built by imposing a California-style emissions performance standard.
Hutton said: "I understand that people feel passionate about this issue. Others, like the Tories, see an opportunity for pandering. But coal is critically important for the UK. Flexible. Available. Reducing our reliance on imported gas."
Hutton's remarks show that Labour believes that Cameron could be vulnerable on energy as high oil prices and the wider global economic downturn make people wary of restrictions on fuel even if they are designed to help the environment.
Tony Blair believes he scored one of his greatest hits on Cameron on energy after the Tory leader described nuclear power as an "option of last resort". Blair said that government was about taking tough decisions and was not a multiple choice exam.
Cameron has since indicated that he would be prepared to allow a new generation of nuclear power stations, though he warns that he would not provide any "blank cheques".
Hutton said the Britain had to look beyond weathering the current economic storm to make changes — "emerging stronger and fitter to seize the new manufacturing opportunities in the green economy and global markets of tomorrow".