Today’s news that Gordon Brown will back the next generation of nuclear power plants is further proof of his desire to put the Tories on the back foot. Nuclear power is one of the issues that divide the opposition with Alan Duncan declaring himself “instinctively opposed” to it while many others see it as the only form of energy that offers security of supply at a sufficient quantity.
If Cameron backs nuclear power he’ll alienate Zac Goldsmith and many of his green chums who Cameron has so assiduously cultivated. He’ll also hand the Lib Dems a distinctive issue with which to attack the Tories in the south. Yet if he refuses to back nuclear power, Brown will be able to ridicule him for being incapable of taking tough decisions. (Brown would be right: there’s no way to significantly reduce CO2 emissions without harming economic growth that doesn’t involve nuclear power.) Cameron will also further irritate those on the right who have been annoyed by his stance on grammar school, taxes, the special relationship and the like.
As an added bonus, Brown will be attacked by the left for his decision; affording him the opportunity to remind Middle England that he’s no old Labour throwback. The whole episode should remind the Tories not to underestimate this consummate strategist.
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