Rachel Reeves gives major update on future of nuclear power plant
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to confirm the multi-billion pound nuclear plant Sizewell C on the Suffolk coast will go-ahead as part of Wednesday's Spending Review
Ministers will today pledge a "golden age" of nuclear as Rachel Reeves announces billions in investment to build Sizewell C.
The Chancellor is set to confirm the nuclear plant on the Suffolk coast will go-ahead as part of measures in tomorrow's Spending Review. The Treasury said a £14.2 billion investment package to build the Sizewell C nuclear plant will go towards creating 10,000 jobs and hundreds of apprenticeships.
No new nuclear power plant has opened in the UK for three decades with all the existing stations - except Sizewell B - likely to be phased out in the early 2030s. The government argues homegrown power is essential to protect the UK from dependency on fossil fuels controlled by global dictators.
Officials also said the move will end years of delay and uncertainty under the Tories. But it is likely to be met by anger among campaigners who argue that it will have a "devastating impact on this unique and magical place".
Just days ago hundreds of protestors staged a demo on Sizewell Beach against the multi-billion pound nuclear power plant.
Chancellor Ms Reeves, who will make the annoucement at GMB union's annual conference in Brighton today, said: 'Today we are once again investing in Britain's renewal, with the biggest nuclear building programme in a generation
"This landmark decision is our Plan for Change in action. We are creating thousands of jobs, kickstarting economic growth and putting more money in people's pockets.'
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband told The Mirror: "We're going big on nuclear as part of our drive to take back control with clean, homegrown power. Every family paid the price for our dependence on fossil fuel markets, and by investing in nuclear we are investing in homegrown clean energy and good jobs for our workers.
"The nuclear industry is going to power our homes and power our economy from Sheffield to Derby, Scotland to the south east of England. It is time for clean energy abundance, it is time for a golden age of new nuclear."
Warren Kenny, GMB Regional Secretary, said: 'This is a momentous announcement. Sizewell C is absolutely vital for the UK's energy security. Nuclear power is essential for clean, affordable, and reliable energy - without new nuclear there can be no net zero. "
Julia Pyke and Nigel Cann, Joint-Managing Directors of Sizewell C added: 'Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Sizewell C, the UK's first British-owned nuclear power plant in over 30 years."
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