I couldn't agree less with the articles "Edge of darkness" and "Seconds to midnight" (26 May, pages 26-27 and 32-34). As Amory Lovins said recently, "If nuclear power is the answer, then you've asked the wrong question".

Sizewell B cost 拢3bn in 1993, so it is extremely optimistic to assume that the proposed new generation of reactors will cost the same. As energy analyst Walt Patterson states, the only low-cost nuclear power station is the estimate before building is commenced.

When James Lovelock talks of Britain as a surviving island utilising nuclear power, how does he propose that we import the uranium? Furthermore as most of our nuclear stations utilise sea-water cooling they will be the first to be affected by rising sea levels.

Gus Alexander and Brian Mulholland are correct: nuclear power is a dangerous and wasteful diversion in our attempts to tackle climate change.

Brian Edwards, chartered building services

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