Scientists criticise OLR's nuclear role

UK-- A report by a group of scientists has criticised the deliberative events run by Opinion Leader Research as part of the Government's consultation on nuclear power.

The 87-page report from the nuclear consultation working group says Opinion Leader presented “contentious information” on issues including safety, waste disposal and sustainability, and accused the firm of a “sleight of hand” in conflating the issues of nuclear power and global warming to encourage a positive response.

The group comprises experts in environmental risk, energy policy, political and social science and democratic involvement from universities including Cambridge, Oxford, Sussex and Lancaster.

Its report concludes that the Government's nuclear consultation “has failed” and recommends a new consultation programme.

The Government is already on its second try, after the first consultation was deemed “manifestly inadequate and unfair” by the courts.

Environmental group Greenpeace, which pulled out of the most recent consultation process calling it a “sham”, has threatened the Government with renewed legal action if it proceeds with its plans for new nuclear power stations on the basis of the consultation – a decision set to be announced in parliament on Thursday by business secretary John Hutton.

Greenpeace has also taken its complaints to the Market Research Standards Board, accusing Opinion Leader of presenting “deliberately misleading” information and asking leading questions of participants. Opinion Leader denies the accusations.

Author: Robert Bain

Related links:

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