Protesters break into nuclear plant to highlight security risks

ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners last night criticised security at a British nuclear power station after protesters broke into the site.

More than 30 Greenpeace demonstrators entered Sizewell B, near Leiston, Suffolk shortly after 6am.

British Energy, operator of the plant, described the action as “irresponsible“.

One group gained access to the main control building of the installation, another gathered on its roof.

Five used climbing equipment to scale the 120ft dome, a focal point of the beachside plant, which covers the pressurised water reactor.

The protest ended at about 5pm when the climbers voluntarily left the dome after painting the word “danger” on the side in giant black letters.

Suffolk Police said 12 people were arrested and are being questioned at a police station.

Greenpeace campaigner Blake Lee-Harwood said: “It’s been a huge success. We came here with the intention of highlighting the issue of security at Sizewell and the appalling lack of it. British Energy are having to now face a number of questions they will have trouble answering.

“Nuclear power is inherently dangerous and they are not even attempting to mitigate the risks by having proper security here.

“We managed to walk into this flagship site with almost no equipment and can get to the top of the dome, which is the icon of this installation.”

Volunteer Rob Gueterbock, who was one of the protesters on the roof, said: “Sizewell B is easier to get into than a Norwich nightclub.

“It is a terrifying thought that if we can do this then anyone can.

“We wouldn’t do anything to interfere with the plant but if terrorists targeted a nuclear power station it would be deadly.”

It is the second time in four months that Greenpeace volunteers had breached security at Sizewell.

Last October, 140 Greenpeace campaigners breached the perimeter fence, and seven camped overnight on the roof of a cooling tower.

Mike Harrison, maintenance manager at Sizewell B, said: “It is a totally irresponsible and criminal act which has caused damage to the insulation. At no time was there any risk to plant safety or public safety.”