Environmental groups are today taking the British government to court to try and prevent the opening of the controversial mixed-oxide (MOX) nuclear plant at Sellafield in Cumbria.
The Government here has already begun a legal challenge against the plant.
Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace believe the plant is dangerous because it could make it easier for terrorists to get nuclear materials.
The two groups won the right to a judicial review of the British government's decision and the case is being heard at the High Court in London today.
They will argue the new plant is unlawful because the economic benefits of the scheme have been "distorted" and there is insufficient evidence the plant would attract customers such as the Japanese.
Mr Charles Secrett, director of Friends of the Earth, said: "The Government's decision to allow the MOX plant to open is dangerous, uneconomic and perverse. The decision makes the world an even more dangerous place.
"The plant will struggle to find clients and may never make any money. We will challenge ministers to justify this foolish decision in court".
The plant, which turns "spent" plutonium and uranium into usable fuel, was completed by British Nuclear Fuels in 1996 and is due to open later this month.
PA