The first step towards nuclear energy security

SIR – The Prime Minister’s recognition of the need for a “national endeavour” to secure the future of the UK’S defence and civil nuclear industry is to be welcomed (Business, March 26).

The sheer scale and complexity of the dreadnought and warhead programmes, which will ensure our nation’s security from nuclear blackmail, are at the very limit of our technical and scientific capability. The developing Aukus submarine (SSN-A) programme adds to the complexity.

The realisation that only nuclear can meet the future massive growth in the UK’S base-load electrical demand means our civil nuclear programme is also crucial for national security. We require a vast increase in trained scientists, technicians and skilled workers, and the planned private investment of £763 million in skills, jobs and education that will support 40,000 new nuclear-related jobs is a good first step.

Admiral Lord west of Spithead (Lab)

London SW1 SIR – Recently I attended the international event in Barcelona to oppose the closure of Spain’s seven nuclear reactors. It was organised by Stand Up For Nuclear and Econucleares.

This policy has global implications, as it hinders efforts to tackle climate change, which affects us all. When nuclear plants are closed, fossil fuels such as coal and gas are burnt instead, increasing the emission of greenhouse gases. Germany showed the folly of closing nuclear plants, which resulted in increased carbon-dioxide emissions as it burnt more coal – and even deindustrialisation, as renewables fail to provide reliable energy.

If we are to tackle climate change, we will need far more of the clean, reliable energy that nuclear power plants are able to provide. What’s more, nuclear power requires far less land and fewer resources than many renewable alternatives.

Mark Dawes

London E11