Nick Clegg on Nuclear Power
TL;DR
Nick Clegg was skeptical about new nuclear power, citing long construction times and opposition to taxpayer subsidies for new plants.
Key Points
In 2010, he argued new nuclear plants would take too long, not coming online until 2021 or 2022 under optimistic forecasts.
He asserted there would be no public subsidy for new nuclear power stations, a condition he stated would not be rolled back from the coalition agreement.
His party's pre-election commitment included opposing new nuclear construction in favour of achieving 100 per cent carbon-free, non-nuclear electricity by 2050.
Summary
Nick Clegg's core position on nuclear power, particularly when he was Deputy Prime Minister in the Coalition government, involved expressing significant skepticism about the viability of new construction. He famously stated that new reactors would not come online until 2021 or 2022 under the most optimistic scenarios, suggesting they were not a timely answer to immediate energy needs. Crucially, he maintained that there would be no public subsidy for new nuclear plants, a stance he claimed was enshrined in the coalition agreement and on which he would not compromise. He also expressed concern over the dilemma of managing nuclear waste.
This position contrasted with the more pro-nuclear stance of his Conservative counterparts and reflected the Liberal Democrats' historical opposition to atomic energy, which included a commitment to 100 per cent carbon-free, non-nuclear electricity by 2050. Critics later pointed to his 2010 remarks as an example of political short-termism, especially following energy security crises that made the reliability of nuclear power more appealing. Although he asserted that private investment must cover costs without taxpayer support, some reports suggested that other government measures could be interpreted as 'invisible subsidies' for the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nick Clegg was skeptical of building new nuclear power stations, primarily because he believed they would take too long to become operational to address immediate energy needs. He strongly opposed using public money for subsidies, insisting that new projects must be financed privately.
No, Nick Clegg was vocal about the need to avoid taxpayer subsidy for new nuclear plants, considering it a condition of the coalition agreement. He stated there would be 'no rowing back on this' commitment regarding public funds.
His position during the Coalition period was clearly one of opposition to new nuclear build without private funding. Later analysis often frames his early scepticism about construction timelines as an example of political short-termism, though his core opposition to public subsidy appears consistent with his prior party policy.
Sources6
Clegg talks down nuclear power
Britain can't cope with nuclear power
Our Long Record Prioritising Present over Future Has Cost Us in Every Way
The enormous costs of short-termism
Clegg has already broken his promise on nuclear subsidies
Coalition's emerging nuclear policy
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.