I READ with interest Nigel Cole’s letter (April 7) about saving Didcot Power Station for next winter.

Didcot was switched off prematurely a year, or more, ago on a certain date dictated by our EU directive. I agree with Nigel, if Germany can refurbish their coal-fired power stations as a back-up, then surely so should we.

Our Government should show some backbone and reverse the directive, putting the needs of Britain’s industry and population first by producing cheaper electricity.

I heard two coal mines are to close. It would make sense to keep them open, and re-open other closed mines (if they are viable), creating thousands of jobs and cheaper than importing coal from abroad – or would the EU not allow us to do so?

You cannot rely on gas to produce electricity in the long-term, especially if we interfere in the Crimea situation and Russia turns us off. Solar/wind renewable energies are not enough to prop up the National Grid, especially with the demands of an ever-increasing population. Nuclear power is the long-term solution.

We are being fleeced by the big six energy companies. The Government flatulates in the wind by asking them for price freezes. The six in turn say if this was to happen, they wouldn’t be able to meet demand and there would be power cuts.

The Government could show they care by removing the green levy slapped on energy prices by the EU – and make energy prices zero VAT rated. One can but dream.

MICHAEL CLARKE

Old Marston

Oxford