I think that if the Greenpeace members had been attacked with paint-ball guns, the impression left on the security of the plant would have been much different.
-- John
"Franta, Jaroslav" <frantaj@AECL.CA> wrote:
The latest on the Sizewell B incursion by Greenpukes....
Jaro
UK Minister Reassures MPs After Sizewell B Protest
A UK government minister has reassured members of parliament (MPs) after Greenpeace members illegally entered the grounds of the Sizewell B nuclear power plant, owned by British Energy (BE).
The 27-strong group cut through the perimeter fence at the plant in the early hours of Monday morning. Five of the group made their onto the containment dome, where they painted the word 'danger'. Trade and Industry Minister Nigel Griffiths told parliament yesterday that a full report would be compiled and security arrangements continuously reviewed.
Mr Griffiths said: "From the initial incursion at the perimeter fence, site security was at all times monitoring the intruders and their actions. At no time did they enter sensitive areas such as the control room or the reactor building, which remained secure throughout.
"The systems installed at Sizewell B were aimed at delaying and detecting intruders so that contingency arrangements could be made. Security staff did protect the sensitive parts of the site, and security measures were adequate and worked properly."
He continued: "To avoid unnecessary risk to both protestors and security staff, no action was taken to remove protestors from the roof of facilities." He also said local police were in attendance.
He concluded: "Security at nuclear power plants is designed according to the 'defence in depth' principle. A perimeter fence alone cannot stop mass intrusion. Security precautions must distinguish between real threats and peaceful protests... I am satisfied that the response procedures at the site were adequate and were carried out according to plan."
A spokesman for BE told NucNet that the nuclear plant "continued to operate as normal" throughout the incident. He added that it is now a question for the police "with advice from government" as to whether any legal action will be taken against those involved.
Source: BE / UK parliament
Editor: Ursula Dinnis