28 November 2007
On
Tuesday 27 November 2007
, a French nuclear exercise will be conducted at the Flamanville nuclear reactor site and the Regional Government Command and Control facilities at St Lo,
Normandy
.
A specific objective of the exercise is to test the emergency communication arrangements between the Prefecture De La Manche and the Channel Islands. The exact timings of the exercise will not be made known prior to the exercise to add a measure of realism to the responding authorities in France.
The French authorities have been liaising directly with the States Emergency Planning Officer, Michael Long, and this co-operation is seen as a direct consequence of a visit in June this year when the Chief Minister hosted a delegation of French officials in Jersey. During this visit, cooperation in respect of the French Nuclear facilities on the Cherbourg Peninsula, and the emergency planning arrangements in respect of Flamanville and La Hague were discussed and a way forward agreed.
Chief Minister, Senator Frank Walker is delighted with the increased co-operation. He commented, "We have now established clear lines of emergency communication with the Prefecture La Manche and I am confident that this exercise will demonstrate their effectiveness."
Jersey’s Emergency Planning Officer, Michael Long has been invited by the French authorities to observe the exercise. He says, “Attending an exercise like this will give me a better understanding of the procedures put in place by French authorities in dealing with such an incident. As a result it will serve to assist me in further developing the Island’s own emergency strategy.”
- Ends -
Notes to Editors:
For further information, please contact Michael Long, Emergency Planning Officer on mobile, 07797 716451
gov.je