Lib Dems lend support to our campaign to save young lives
The Lib Dems have pledged their support to our campaign for the Government to adopt a ‘precautionary approach’ to the building of new homes and schools close to high voltage over head power lines.
We hosted a Fringe event on Planning at the Liberal Democrat Party Conference 2009: What do Councillors need? A planning workshop on housing, schools and power lines.
Local and national Liberal Democrat representatives including Dan Rogerson, MP for North Cornwall and Lib Dem Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government were present.
The statistical association between electro magnetic fields and childhood leukaemia is clear, but the causal mechanism is not yet understood. Scientific evidence is emerging and we believe that, until the association can be explained, a ‘precautionary approach’ is needed to help protect children’s health.
In 2007 the Cross-Party Inquiry into Childhood Leukaemia and ELF EMF (Extremely Low Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields), of which Lib Dem MP Sandra Gidley was a member, urged the Government to issue pro-precaution planning guidance. In the same year SAGE, the Stakeholder Advisory Group on ELF EMF, urged the Government to adopt a pro-precautionary stance. No response has been issued to date.
It is nothing short of a betrayal that the Government have so far simply ignored an authoritative and deeply concerning Cross-Party report.
Dan Rogerson
The Lib Dems are keen that the focus should be on giving power to local communities, so that they are able to influence and be part of a real democracy. The Lib Dems believe people need to know how councillors are acting in regard to planning decisions as they relate to buildings near power lines.
Dan Rogerson MP, expressed his gratitude for our work and particularly for working with local councillors who are the ones having to take decisions on planning applications. He says he will do all he can to help and will continue to press for a Government response.
Photos, from top: Dan Rogerson, MP for North Cornwall and Lib Dem Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government; Cllr Ann Kerridge, Cornwall; Cllr David Bellotti, Vice-Chair LGA (Local Government Association) children and Young People Board.
View more photos from the Lib Dem Party Conference [new window will open]
Read more about stakeholder advisory group (SAGE)
Read more about the Cross-Party Inquiry into Childhood Leukaemia and ELF EMF (Extremely Low Voltage Electric and Magnetic Fields) [new window will open]
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