Weak Kneed Acquiescence of Cumbria Tourism

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/sep/23/gardeners-question-time-conflict-interests

Nirex Map- Sellafield Geological Investigation Area Definition

Eric Robson’s heart and bankbook are on message with the government agenda for geological dumping of nuclear wastes. His company Osprey Communications has provided the propaganda to underplay and normalise the plan. A recent letter to Baroness Verma sets out Cumbria Tourism’s weak kneed acquiescent ‘neutrality’ until a “most promising site” at Stage 4 is chosen and then they will “strongly object”

This is meaningless. At stage 4 the councils will have overturned the Nirex inquiry which found that West Cumbria had been searched and the most promising site found to be unsuitable. Having overturned the findings of the Nirex Inquiry the councils would be unable to provide “credible justification” to withdraw from a project too big to fail.

Eric Robson’s support for the dump and monetary gain through his PR company promoting the dump is at odds with the protective remit of Cumbria Tourism, he has even said to campaigners:
“I am convinced by the scientific arguments that geological disposal
rather than burying our heads in the sand is the best way forward”

Eric Robson and Cumbria Tourism have not only failed to step up to the mark but are complicit in the plan for most damaging proposal since the nuclear bomb making factory was installed at Windscale.

LETTER TO CAMPAIGNERS 2011
RE: Deep Disposal Implications for the Cumbrian Economy
From: “Ian Stephens”
Date: Fri, April 8, 2011 3:21 pm
To: mariannebirkby

Dear Marianne

I’ve contacted Eric Robson and he’s replied to the question ‘How can ER
be chairman of CT when he supports the geological disposal of nuclear
waste?’ as follows:
“Because I’m convinced by the scientific arguments that geological
disposal rather than burying our heads in the sand is the best way
forward. Nuclear waste is with us. We can’t wish it away despite the
best efforts of some so-called environmentalists. My views are well
known and I’m elected as chairman of CT, rather than being self
appointed’.

Yours sincerely

Ian Stephens
***************************************************************************************************

LETTER TO BARONESS VERMA
8th January 2013

Baroness Verma of Leicester
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
DECC
3 Whitehall Place
London
SW1A 2AW

Dear Baroness Verma
It is widely known that the storage of nuclear waste is a major challenge and a problem which needs to be addressed. Cumbria Tourism has engaged fully in the MRWS consultation exercise and continues to take a neutral stance on whether a nuclear waste repository should be based in Cumbria. It has taken this position because there is inconclusive evidence that such a repository would have a detrimental impact on the economy and the environment. A range of research and monitoring processes are now in place or are planned in future to determine the extent of such impacts.
The Executive Board of Cumbria Tourism wishes to make clear that taking a neutral stance does not imply tacit support for a nuclear waste repository. The Board has always strongly objected to any major developments that would have an adverse impact on the enjoyment of visitors, tourism business viability and on the special qualities of the National Park or other protected environmental areas. The Board understands that, despite rumours to the contrary, there are no site specific proposals at this stage and that there are no plans at present to site a nuclear waste repository in the Lake District National Park or within the Solway AONB. The Board is also mindful that if there is a decision to proceed to the next ‘desktop’ phase of research, this will not result in any ‘new infrastructure, traffic or noise’ which could cause disruption to visitors or businesses.
However, it is inevitable that Cumbria Tourism would object strongly should further research lead to any suggestion that a nuclear waste repository could be considered in either the National Park or the AONB.
Yours sincerely

Eric Robson
Cumbria Tourism Chairman

cc: Bill Jefferson, Chairman of the Lake District National Park Authority
Rory Stewart MP for Penrith & the Borders
John Stevenson MP for Carlisle
Tim Farron MP for Westmorland & Lonsdale
Jamie Reed MP for Copeland
Tony Cunningham MP for Workington
John Woodcock MP for Barrow & Furness

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