Advertisement

  1. National

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 ›

Former energy secretary: Hinkley plant 'is a lousy deal'

Nigel Lawson Credit: PA

A former Conservative chancellor and ex-energy secretary has criticised the new power plant at Hinkley Point as poor value for Britain.

Lord Lawson of Blaby said he was not anti-nuclear but every independent energy expert had said this was a "thoroughly lousy deal".

He said that French energy company EDF, which has been contracted to build the plant, is "hopelessly behind schedule and in deep, deep trouble" over two similar power stations it is constructing in France and Finland.

The politician called for an assurance that if there are similar problems at Hinkley C the government would have "no hesitation in ending this contract whatever penalties there may be because it is a lousy contract and the sooner it is ended the better".

  1. Read more
  2. 20 updates
Live reaction: Hinkley nuclear power plant approved by government

More on this story