If society mainly comprised and was led by mature, rational human beings, I would have few concerns about the large-scale use of nuclear energy, although I'm pretty sure that it would not be deemed necessary, nor worth the risks it would still, even then, involve.

As it is, society (British or any other) is neither comprised of nor led by mature and rational human beings, but by Homo stupidus economicus, who, having barely risen above his animal nature and behaviour, is in ignorant and indignant denial of how much a "prime ape" he still is.

As individuals, many (most?) of us are constantly striving to rise above our animal nature, even when not forced or obliged to by custom or the law, but we are utterly dependent on an economy that is deeply rooted in and dependent on it, that developed both to serve and exploit our animal nature (our fears, desires competitiveness, acquisitiveness, etc).

In many respects, we cannot rise above our animal nature, even when we want to, because the economy depends on it, thus placing us in a fatal double bind.

What are our politicians motivated by, predominantly, if not the desire for POWER, social status and advantage?

And the rest of us? When you realize that MONEY is power in its purest, most important, sophisticated and versatile form, you will understand that it is the desire for power what motivates and drives (directly or indirectly) the economy and much of everyone's behaviour - certainly that which is causing us to plunder and wreck our (children's) planet.

Nuclear power (whether for the military or the economy) is just another (not particularly versatile) form of power that our animal nature causes us to desire. We pursue it at our peril!

Let's get more human, instead.