A CONFERENCE has called for Welsh political leaders to abandon nuclear power and instead concentrate on renewable energy.

During the Nuclear Free Local Authorities Welsh Forum conference at Machynlleth’s Owain Glyndwr Parliament House on Saturday, 14 April, a Machynlleth Declaration was agreed calling on the Welsh Government and politicians to concentrate on green energy and stop the building of new nuclear facilities, such as the planned scheme at Trawsfynydd.

The conference, which saw a range of organisations attend, including Machynlleth’s Centre for Alternative Technology, the Welsh Anti-Nuclear Alliance, People Against Wylfa B, Trawsfynydd opposition group CADNO and CND Cymru, supported the declaration insisting that Wales should not be pursuing nuclear energy.

Sue Lent, the NFLA acting Welsh forum co-chair said the conference had received support from across Wales.

She said: “The conference held by Welsh groups concerned about nuclear developments highlighted to all the real risks and hazards over new nuclear reactors, radioactive waste and nuclear safety in Wales.

“I found the zero-carbon Britain report developed by the Centre for Alternative Technology an inspiring and effective alternative where cheaper, safer and sustainable forms of renewable energy could power Wales and significantly reduce the harmful effects of climate change.

“The Machynlleth Declaration encourages politicians in all political parties across Wales to support a transformative energy policy that could make Wales a leader in Europe and the world for clean, green and nuclear free energy.

“NFLA strongly supports such a direction in Welsh energy policy.”

Read the full story in this week’s Machynlleth & Llanidloes and north editions of the Cambrian News