Liberal Democrats' Conference: Pro-nuclear vote lost

AN ATTEMPT to water down the party's long-standing opposition to the nuclear power industry was defeated by just four votes - 226 to 222, writes Stephen Goodwin.

Party policy is to order no more nuclear power stations and phase out existing ones by 2020. But Trevor Beswick (Wigan and Leigh) said it was 'ridiculous' for delegates to turn their backs on an energy source which was the hope for the future.

Simon Hughes, outgoing environment spokesman, said the leadership and most members were united over the 'poor energy, environmental and economic case for nuclear power'.