Now Beijing-funded nuclear plants in doubt
CHINESE investments in Britain’s nuclear energy system could now be reviewed, the Business Secretary Alok Sharma revealed yesterday.
State-owned China General Nuclear Power Group has invested billions of pounds in the Hinkley Point C plant, being built in Somerset.
The firm is also seeking approval to construct a nuclear reactor at Bradwell in Essex.
But the country’s security crackdown on Hong Kong has prompted growing unease among Tory MPs – who are also lobbying the Government to end
Huawei’s involvement in the UK’s 5G telecoms’ network within four years.
China warned of “consequences” and accused the UK of bowing to US pressure yesterday, amid signs of a U-turn over Huawei. Asked if the UK will also review Chinese investments in Britain’s nuclear system, Mr Sharma said: “We will look at all investment made in the UK. “We’re pretty innovative as a country. We’ve got a stable and legal tax system, so I’m confident we will continue to attract innovative investment into the country.
“I don’t think that is inconsistent with standing up for our values, our interests and our security.”
Meanwhile, Chinese-owned social media site TikTok was among several tech giants who cut ties with Hong Kong yesterday over the controversial national security law.
The video-sharing site made the move after the Hong Kong Government announced parts of the legislaton will be introduced from Monday.
It sparked fears the colony will follow China and regulate the internet.