‘No wavering in our support’
THE FIRST Minister has reiterated his “100%” backing for a new nuclear plant on Anglesey, a stance shared by all but one of the candidates hoping to become it’s next MP.
This comes despite a recent vow from Labour’s Shadow Chancellor to “bring an end” to nuclear power and nuclear weapons in the first 100 days of a Labour government.
The comments were attributed to John McDonnell in footage captured by a national newspaper, but party colleagues in Cardiff Bay have renewed their backing to Wylfa Newydd.
Last week, as reported in the Mail, Horizon unveiled redrawn plans for the estimated £14bn plant, creating around 9,000 contruction jobs at its peak - 4,000 housed onsite.
Responding to a question in the Senedd last week by Anglesey resident Nathan Gill AM, who pointed out that Jeremy Corbyn had opposed nuclear for many years, the First Minister responded confirming they were “100% committed to Wylfa Newydd.”
“We have already been working with Wylfa itself and also with skills suppliers in order to make sure that as many local people as possible have the skills that will be required there.”
Carwyn Jones added: “It will provide many temporary construction jobs and, importantly, around 600 jobs in the community. There is no wavering in our support.”
This backing is shared with three of the five would-be MP’s, with only the Liberal Democrat stating reservations.
Although a contentious issue in much of Wales, support for nuclear has traditionally enjoyed far greater support on the Isle of Anglesey.
As previously highlighted, Labour candidate Albert Owen, Ieuan Wyn Jones of Plaid Cymru and Conservative Tomos Dafydd Davies, have all publicly expressed their backing to Wylfa Newydd.
UKIP candidate, James Turner, did not respond to a request for comment.
But Liberal Democrat, Dr Sarah Jackson, told the Mail she would prefer further research into renewable sources.
“I recognise the potential benefits of Wylfa Newydd to the island’s economy, but my preference would be to look at investment into further research, development and manufacturing for the alternative renewable sources of energy.
“Instead of investing in technology that is becoming obsolete, it is far better for Ynys Môn to invest in the future.
“Nuclear power may be storing up environmental problems for our great-grandchildren. There are now exciting alternatives. Let’s invest in a cleaner, greener future.”