The Guardian says that Blair faces opposition from the cabinet over a nuclear future, while the Daily Telegraph says the government may allow more than one supercasino.
Prime minister Tony Blair will face fierce opposition from his cabinet if he pushes ahead with plans to build a new generation of nuclear plants, Saturday’s Guardian reports. Main opposition will come from environment secretary Margaret Beckett and former energy minister Peter Hain, the paper says. The ministers will argue that the cost of decommissioning sites and storing radioactive waste - thought to be around £90bn - is too high to proceed.
Sticking with The Guardian on Saturday, the paper reports that the Football Association has voted to go ahead with the development of a national centre at Burton-on-Trent. The 350-acre scheme had been put on hold, the paper was told, because of concerns over escalating costs and uncertainty over Wembley stadium.
More regional development with The Daily Telegraph reporting on Saturday that Richard Caborn, the minister responsible for gambling, said the government would consider building more than one giant casino. The Gambling Act currently only allows for one giant casino, eight medium-sized venues and eight smaller ones. Caborn said: “If there is the mood for change and the demand is there, we will consider it.”
On Sunday, The Observer revealed that senior managers from Jarvis and Network Rail have escaped manslaughter charges. The paper reports that the Crown Prosecution Service has concluded there is “insufficient evidence” to pursue criminal charges against any individual or company. However, the paper adds, the Health and Safety Executive will continue to examine whether Jarvis or Network Rail should face unlimited fines over a possible breach of safety measures.
In financial news, the weekend Financial Times reported that property entrepreneur Robert Tchenguiz has approached the Spirit Group about buying its 2000-strong pub estate, valued at around £3bn. Tchenguiz, who is looking at the acquisition through his investment vehicle R20, already owns the Yates group of pubs which he bought in April for £202m.
And finally, The Sunday Times reports on a bidding battle between two prominent business men that resulted in a Cornish terraced house being sold for £2.2m - double the asking price. Andrew Bromley, a director of the Russell & Bromley shoe shops, paid £1,466 per square foot - thought to be the highest price ever outside of London.
