Solar plant plans for Chernobyl could do more harm than good

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A solar panel plant under construction in the western Indian state of Rajasthan (MONEY SHARMA/AFP/Getty Images))

Thirty-one years on from the disaster, the thought that Chernobyl might be getting solar renewable energy leaves me feeling a little perplexed.

Green energy should be explored more on all fronts but if people are to be employed at Chernobyl, what about the health risks? I'm not convinced that this is totally a good idea. Remnants of the nuclear fallout persist there to this day and that in turn can still harm animal and human life forms.

Effectively this deal, although possibly well meaning, could do more harm than good. And while I wouldn't want to stop the development of solar energy anywhere, I think we, and those people involved in the decision making process, should think about the consequences of their actions.

David Murphy
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Solar energy is the best option

Ukraine is in talks to build a £969m solar energy plant at the derelict Chernobyl nuclear reactor site. In the meantime, the cost of Hinkley Point nuclear plant has risen by another £1.5bn to over £20bn, and will undoubtedly rise further.

Has anybody ever considered that solar energy plants might be the better option?

Sarah Pegg
​Seaford

More appreciation for nurses

I am student nurse in my final year studying in Northern Ireland and I am currently on placement on a very busy hospital ward. I absolutely love nursing and the work we do. I feel very lucky and privileged to be able to care for people and have them put their trust in me.

However, I have found that a majority of nurses have lost heart, they are fighting to stay positive, caring and compassionate. This is not to do with them as individuals but the ongoing fight to get more resources to meet the physical demands of the job. I am constantly used as a staff member and feel I am not learning what I should be. The staff do not have time to show me the ins and outs I need to know for becoming a qualified nurse in a few months.

I live independently, therefore I have rent and bills – I receive £430 a month from the NHS. This just covers my rent. So I work an extra 24 hours a week (sometimes more) on top of that to cover my living expenses. I am working 72 to 84 hours a week. It is so emotionally and physically demanding. The hope that things may get better when I qualify keeps me going, but opinions and conversations with NHS staff do not reflect this.

There is a huge shortage of nurses at the minute and it is no wonder. We are overworked, underpaid and not appreciated. It is true that I did not choose nursing for the money, not one bit of me. There are a million other professions and jobs that I could have done, however nursing is a calling and I believe it is the vocation for me. I just wish there was a brighter light shining on it and that a little appreciation was shown.

Forever hopeful student nurse
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Lie detectors for politicians

I read with the interest the article on the use of lie-detector tests by the intelligence services to check on the truthfulness of their sources.

I can see real value in these gadgets being used on politicians. That really would bring in transparent government!

Bernard Cudd
Address supplied

Not “business as usual” anymore

Theresa May has called for consensus and conciliation with other parties. How strange that she showed no such concern for maturity until she lost her majority. How strange that immediately after the election, there was no humility, no consensus, just “business as usual”.

Peter Cave
London W1

Brexit is just like a marriage divorce

Lawyers make money out of divorce because people are not rational about an emotional process. Likewise with Brexit. On one side there are people who find anything impinging on national sovereignty wholly repugnant and who are optimistic about picking up the pieces after Brexit. On the other side there are people for whom sovereignty provokes few emotions and who see far more to be lost than gained by upsetting the apple cart.

As in divorce both sides are right, even if they are irreconcilable. A Brexit that regains total sovereignty will be enormously disruptive to a great many people and businesses. There will be many losers but in time a new economy can take shape and there will be winners. Is it worth it? Only if you are so in love with sovereignty, whatever that might be, that you are prepared to suffer, and inflict, the pain. Remainers find it hard to believe that anyone can think it is worthwhile, but for centuries people have died for sovereignty.

The emotions will continue to run high and the Tories will fracture on it. Being half in or half out would mean a lot of pain for no gain. The only way out for both the Tories and Labour will be another referendum in a year’s time. The committed Brexiteers will fight tooth and nail if they see their dream slipping away, but they were never a majority. A more amenable Europe and an influx of new voters will lead to a 60:40 vote to remain. There will be a new democratic will of the people and the whole ghastly episode will be put behind us, until next time.

Jon Hawksley
Address supplied