Sir David King's effort to bring science into UK nuclear discussions
I ran across an article published on Sunday 13 January 2007 by Times Online titled I pushed Blair’s nuclear button that gives some background on high level discussions leading up to the recent decision by the UK government to include nuclear power as a significant part of its future energy mix.
Here is a tantalizing quote intended to make you go visit the article and form you own opinion.
It was 2003 and Prescott thought he and the other ministers overseeing a new energy white paper had finally reached agreement to rule out nuclear options and instead to recommend concentration on renewables and energy efficiency.
“That was when I put my hand up,” King said last week, “and told him I still did not believe we could cut CO2 without nuclear power. Nor would I pretend I had changed my mind.”
King claimed that what happened next was shocking. Prescott “went ballistic”, shouting about collective responsibility and thumping the table. “I wondered if I was going to get punched,” King recalled.
I have had similar experiences while putting my hand up in high level meetings and saying something that conflicted with the alternative reality assumed by a person in a power position. It is not always comfortable to be an independent voice, especially when dealing with people who are arrogantly assured of their own superiority. However, it can be kind of fun if you know that you do not depend on the good graces of the person who believes they have control.
