Confusion as PM delays go-ahead for nuclear plant

CONFUSION surrounds a Government decision to delay the go-ahead for Britain’s first nuclear power station in a generation.

The French government-owned energy company EDF had given a vote of confidence in Brexit Britain and agreed to push ahead with the project at Hinkley Point. But new Energy and Business Secretary Greg Clark stepped in and announced a rethink.

It is understood there are real fears that the costs of the project in Somerset, touted at £18billion, could in fact rise to £29billion.

Critics believe the Government has been stung by criticism of the amount EDF will be paid for power from Hinkley – £92.50 per megawatt hour.

The state-owned China General Nuclear Power Corporation was brought in as an investor by former Chancellor George Osborne.

However, he was sacked by new Prime Minister Theresa May on her first evening in Downing Street.

And Mrs May’s new chief of staff, Nick Timothy, has condemned Chinese involvement in the UK’s nuclear sector. He wrote in 2015 that it was “baffling” that the Government would allow Chinese state firms to invest in sensitive infrastructure.

Mr Timothy said concerns about national security were being “swept aside because of the rush for Chinese trade and investment”.

He suggested security experts were worried the Chinese could build weaknesses into computer systems that would allow them to “shut down Britain’s energy production at will”.

He opposed giving a “hostile state” access to critical infrastructure.

A source said Mrs May and Francois Hollande had discussed the Hinkley deal during her recent visit to Paris.

A source said: “The timetable was agreed with the French government,” indicating a decision was expected to be taken in September.

Justin Bowden, the GMB union’s secretary for energy, said: “Theresa May’s decision to review the go-ahead is bewildering and bonkers.

“After years of procrastination, what is required is decisive action.”