Rishi Sunak gave the green light to a key plank of Boris Johnson ’s legacy by pumping £679million of taxpayers’ cash into a new nuclear power plant.
The Prime Minister backed the cash injection for Sizewell C in Suffolk - nearly three months after Mr Johnson delivered his last policy speech as PM at the site saying the Government would back the development.
The project, which supporters say could create 10,000 jobs, is led by French firm EDF, which is largely state-owned.
There had been speculation that the plan could be delayed or even ditched as a cost-cutting measure after a government official told the BBC "every major project" was under review ahead of the Autumn statement.
Workers’ leaders welcomed the announcement but climate campaigners questioned why ministers weren't prioritising renewable energy.
GMB national secretary Andy Prendergast said: "After years of prevarication, it’s great to see progress on Sizewell C finally being made.
"Without nuclear there can be no net zero. This announcement is a long overdue step in the right direction."
Prospect union senior deputy general secretary Sue Ferns said: “After months of uncertainty this is a vital decision from the government and secures the future of Sizewell C.
“We cannot rest on our laurels however, as without swift progress of other new nuclear sites we will still face an impending energy gap that cannot be filled with renewables alone.
“The current rate of one approval every decade is far short of what is necessary for us to meet our net zero goals. The situation is too urgent for every decision to take many years.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said the plan would generate “reliable, clean electricity for six million UK homes, and deliver thousands of high-value jobs in Suffolk and nationwide”.
But Greenpeace policy director Doug Parr said: “It’s hard to work out what drives the Government’s enthusiasm for new nuclear - it‘s not cheap, or clean, or necessary as there are better, quicker and less expensive options to deliver electricity.
“Not to mention that technology is steadily becoming available to cover the periods when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine.
“On top of all that, there’s no value-for-money assessment available for Sizewell C so UK taxpayers are essentially buying it sight unseen. It’s like a bad episode of Deal or No Deal.”
Ministers believe the power station will help wean Britain off imported foreign energy.
Gas prices have rocketed and electricity costs surged since Vladimir Putin ordered a Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
EDF chief executive Simone Rossi hailed a “big vote of confidence in Sizewell C”, which she said would “build on the achievements of Hinkley Point C” in Somerset - a new nuke plant under construction.
He added: “It will deliver another big boost to jobs and skills in the nuclear industry and provide huge new opportunities for communities in Suffolk.
“New nuclear will protect Britain from volatile global gas markets and help keep bills under control for the country’s homes and businesses.”
The Tories also announced the go-ahead for “Great British Nuclear” - a project the Government says will be “tasked with developing a resilient pipeline of new nuclear builds”.
Business Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Global gas prices are at record highs, caused by Putin’s illegal march on Ukraine.
“We need more clean, affordable power generated within our borders – British energy for British homes.
“Today’s historic deal giving Government backing to Sizewell C’s development is crucial to this, moving us towards greater energy independence and away from the risks that a reliance on volatile global energy markets for our supply comes with.
“This is at the heart of a package of measures that – together with the new Great British Nuclear and powers of the Energy Security Bill – will ensure secure supply for now, and for generations to come.”
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said the funding for Sizewell C - a fraction of the estimated £25billion total cost “represents the biggest step on our journey to energy independence - the first state backing for a nuclear project in over 30 years”.
He added: “Once complete, this mega project will power millions of homes with clean, affordable, home-grown energy for decades to come.
“Together with our drive to improve the nation’s energy efficiency, this package will help to permanently bring down energy bills and stop Britain being at the mercy of global gas prices beyond our control.”
