Taiwan politicians fight over nuclear vote

A fight has broken out in Taiwan's parliament ahead of a vote on a referendum on a nuclear plant. Several lawmakers exchanged punches and threw cups and bottles of water at each other in the brawl on Friday. The parliament is set to vote on whether to hold a referendum on completing construction of the plant, which is located close to Taipei. The nuclear plant, also known as Nuke 4, would be the island's fourth. It has been under construction for more than 10 years, and is near completion. Nuclear power is controversial is Taiwan, and in March 200,000 people took part in an anti-nuclear march. Taiwan's opposition Democratic Progressive Party is also against the plan, citing safety concerns. The government argues the $9bn facility is needed to prevent a power shortages. The latest fight in parliament is not a one-off; in June lawmakers scuffled over capital gains tax.