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Live reaction: Hinkley nuclear power plant approved by government

The Hinkley C nuclear power station will go ahead following a "new agreement" with EDF, the Government has confirmed.

Here are the major developments:

  • The Government announced the new deal on Thursday morning
  • Energy Minister Greg Clark described it as a "major step forward" and an £18 billion investment in the economy creating 26,000 jobs
  • Chinese company CGN, which is investing in the deal, said it was "very happy" and that it was now "able to move forward and deliver" nuclear capacity at Sizewell and Bradwell
  • Unions and the French government have welcomed the deal
  • But Greenpeace has slammed the decision
  • Labour said the plant was 'vital' for the economy but criticised the Government's negotiations
View all 20 updates ›

China: Hinkley nuclear deal will offer 'mutual benefits'

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi Credit: Reuters

The long-awaited approval of a new power plant at Hinkley Point in Somerset will deliver "mutual benefits" to both Britain and China, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.

A spokesman said China "welcomes the decision" to approve the project today which he said was in "the interests of all parties".

It comes after security concerns were raised over the involvement of the Chinese state-owned CGN energy company in the design and construction of the plant, which is being led by the French company EDF.

CGN is also set to design and build further nuclear plants at other UK sites, including Bradwell in Essex and Sizewell in Suffolk.

We hope that under the joint efforts of China, UK and France, Hinkley point and the subsequent nuclear projects in the package deal could be implemented soon, in order to reach mutual benefits and win-win results.

– Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement
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Live reaction: Hinkley nuclear power plant approved by government

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