THE planned nuclear power station at Hinkley Point, Somerset has let the cat out of the bag.

We now know the Government expects energy prices to at least double over the next ten years.

What’s more, the power station will be hugely subsidised by the taxpayer.

This is despite Tory and Lib Dem promises not to subsidise nuclear.

To reduce carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 there may be little choice but to invest in some nuclear.

But the risk of another devastating accident, like Fukushima, or terrorist attack, remains.

Britain’s main thrust should be on benign renewables and reducing energy use. That’s why Oxford City Council is already delivering pilot projects to insulate homes in Barton and Headington and enabling householders to invest in efficient boilers and solar panels.

Labour’s offer of a 20-month freeze on energy bills makes sense. Breaking up the energy company monopoly and spending more on more wind, wave and solar is the way forward.

Nuclear is costly, dangerous and clearly will not bring down the cost of electricity.

JOHN TANNER (Labour Cllr), Board Member for a Cleaner, Greener Oxford City Councillor for Littlemore & County Councillor for Isis