Green Party members have voted to end the party's opposition to nuclear power, removing a commitment to phase out the technology. This decision, adopted at a conference, represents a major change in the Green Party of England and Wales's energy policy.
The motion removes a "blanket opposition to nuclear fission" and instead commits the party to evaluating nuclear projects alongside other low-carbon technologies. While offshore wind, onshore wind, and rooftop solar remain the primary sources of electricity in its policy, elected representatives can now support new nuclear reactors on a case-by-case basis.
Green MP Carla Denyer stated that the decision acknowledges a role for nuclear power during the transition to an electricity system primarily based on renewables. She indicated that keeping existing nuclear stations operational could be a low-carbon option due to the significant carbon footprint associated with their construction.
Eugene McCarthy, a co-founder of Greens for Nuclear and a supporter of the motion, argued that the climate crisis necessitates considering all available options. He noted that the motion enables elected representatives to assess individual proposals on their merits.