States may oppose French reactor

The Channel Islands would be able to comment during a public inquiry

A States department is to recommend Guernsey formally objects to a proposed new reactor on the French coast.

France is considering plans by electricity provider EDF to build a third reactor at Flamanville, 30 miles (48km) from the Channel Islands.

The Home Department's objection is based on concerns raised by Greenpeace about the nuclear reactor becoming a terrorist target.

It will advise the States against the plan in a debate at the end of July.

Public inquiry

A secret document by EDF was leaked to a French government nuclear watchdog in May about terrorist threats to the plant.

Environmental group Greenpeace claims it shows no thought has been put into ensuring reactors are safe from attack.

EDF has refused to comment on the leaked document.

Guernsey currently derives much of its electricity from a cable link with Europe.

Public meetings have been held in Guernsey and Jersey to inform islanders about the proposal.

The Channel Islands will be able to comment on the plans if France decides to hold a public inquiry.