British PM risks revolt over new nuclear plants: report

London (Platts)--5Oct2005

Tony Blair risks a backbench rebellion if he decides to build a new
generation of nuclear power stations, with survey evidence showing nearly half
of Labour MPs opposed to the idea, the 'Financial Times' reported Wednesday.
According to an opinion poll by Mori, which surveyed MPs from all parties on
behalf of the nuclear industry, 45% of the parliamentary Labour party is
against the construction of nuclear plants to replace those being phased out
over the next few years, the report said.
     Labour backbenchers account for almost all the opposition in the Commons
on this issue and there could be more rebelling--should MPS be given a formal
say--the report said, than were against the Iraq war in 2003, when a third of
the party voted against the government or failed to support it.
     "The opposition among Labour MPs has declined from a year ago, when it
was 53%, possibly because of a combination of high oil prices and fears about
the impact of climate change. However, there were fewer Labour members who
supported investing in new plant--36% versus 39%. With the majority of
Conservatives in favour of new nculear build, the prime minister would
probably be able to win a vote in the Commons," the paper said.

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