Publications / Federation News

30th January 2007

FEDERATION SAYS REMOVAL OF THE POLICE ARMED RESPONSE UNITS FROM THE NUCLEAR PLANTS IN CAPENHURST IN CHESTER AND SPRINGFIELDS NEAR PRESTON AS: 'ILL-CONCEIVED'

The Civil Nuclear Police Federation has described the decision to remove Police Armed Response Units from the Nuclear Plants in Capenhurst in Chester and Springfields near Preston as ill-conceived, foolish and potentially reducing the level of service to the public to a dangerously unacceptable level.

Barry Wright, Federation General Secretary, said: "We are having difficulty in meeting the legitimate and reasonable expectations of the public at the moment. How can we ensure the security of these establishments when the authority to carry firearms has been withdrawn?"

"The enriched Uranium produced at these plants has a huge impact on the national and international security situation. The current threat to Nuclear Establishments from terrorists creates an unacceptable security threat - as recent warnings have made clear. Under the circumstances, the timing of this announcement can only be construed as curious."

Barry Wright also deplored "the lack of consultation of any kind before a decision of this importance was taken."