Split over nuclear power

No, it's not so much the coalition which is divided over nuclear power.

Rather it is the Liberal Democrats whose party line is to oppose it.

A substantial minority think it's needed as we move to a low-carbon future; but the party also worked hard for support from green-minded voters.

I quizzed Chris Huhne on it when he visited Wiltshire during the election campaign.

He chose his words carefully - even though he could not have imagined within weeks he would be in charge at the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

He cited two problems: how long new nuclear would take, and how much it would cost.

Yet one of his first acts as Secretary of State could tilt the financial balance in favour of nuclear.

The government will set minimum levels for the charges paid by big greenhouse gas emitters - like coal and gas power stations.

That may push up energy prices, but it will also give a big boost to non-polluting renewables and nuclear.

Every Lib Dem I've talked to admits it is an issue that divides them; one suggested a third of members disagreed with the party line.

So the coalition compromise may be quite a relief.

Lib Dem MPs can stick to their principles and, er, abstain in Parliament.

And their government can stick to its principles and give no subsidy to the nuclear industry - having helped ensure it won't need it.