Japan Press Weekly

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2018 April 25 - May 8 [SOCIAL ISSUES]

Hitachi's nuclear export to UK criticized by environmental NGO and Welsh citizens

An international environmental NGO and a group of Welsh citizens on May 2 published an urgent joint statement in opposition to Hitachi's plan to build nuclear reactors in Wales, U.K.

FoE Japan and People against Wylfa-B made this statement in response to the news report of a meeting between Hitachi Chairman Nakanishi Hiroaki and British Prime Minister Theresa May where Nakanishi is reportedly going to ask for the U.K. government's commitment to Hitachi's nuclear power project in Wales.

The statement points out that the project may increase British taxpayers burden because the U.K. government promised a high purchase price to Hitachi. In addition, the statement criticizes both the Japanese and British governments for using public funds for the project which may result in imposing heavier burdens with huge risks on the peoples of two countries.

The People against Wylfa-B spokesperson said in the statement, "It is unacceptable that Japan wishes to export this deadly technology to another nation in order to keep Japan in the nuclear club."

The statement calls on the Japanese government to phase out nuclear power for energy production and to promote sustainable energy systems based on reflection on the lessons learned from the Fukushima nuclear accident.

Past related articles:
> JCP Kasai urges gov’t to not guarantee bank loans to Hitachi project to construct NPP in UK [February 7, 2018]
> LDP receives 700 million yen in donations as ‘reward’ from nuclear power industry [November 28, 2015]
> Abenomics infrastructure export would damage lives of local people [December 11, 2014]
> Abe in Europe busy selling Japan’s nuclear power plants [May 8, 2014]
> METI intends to use post-disaster recovery budget for nuclear exports [October 31, 2012]
> Gov’t, utilities, and corporations jointly push ahead with NPP export [August 5, 2011]