The UK needs a reliable and secure energy supply and I believe that nuclear energy is an important part of the mix. The Nuclear Industrial Strategy published in 2013 in partnership with industry establishes a long term approach for the sector to stimulate economic growth and create jobs in this country.
The Government will now consider carefully the different parts of the Hinkley Point project and a decision will be made in the early autumn.
A power station at Hinkley Point has the potential to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions, bring billions of private investment into the UK economy and create around 25,000 jobs at the peak of construction. It will provide a clean source of home-grown energy, providing 7 per cent of the country’s energy needs.
I am disappointed at the Government’s decision to delay final agreement on the Hinkley Point Project, which was set to bring huge investment and job creation into Somerset. I thought we had crossed the final hurdle when EDF agreed to give the project the go ahead at their board meeting.
Following the result of the EU referendum, we need to be doing all we can to show that the UK is open for business and welcome agreements made with our European counterparts outside of the EU framework. Whilst I understand a new Government needs time to make sure that the agreement is right for the UK, I worry that their delay gives a bad impression.
I have written to Greg Clark to stress to him the importance of the deal to the South West and encourage him to give the deal his approval as soon as possible. I will post his reply on my website as soon as I have it.