The UK government has announced £14.2 billion for the construction of a new nuclear power station at Sizewell C in Suffolk, just days before Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spending Review. The plant is expected to start supplying power in the mid-2030s and will power six million homes.
Reeves stated that the investment would create 10,000 jobs during construction and support thousands more positions across the UK. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that Sizewell C would not be given a “blank cheque” for the entire decade-long project, with only four years’ funding currently allocated.
The government also announced £2.5 billion for a small modular reactor programme. Local concerns over rising rent costs and environmental impact have been raised, but some welcome the investment in new nuclear power. The UK’s live coverage of the announcement will continue shortly, followed by key details and an explainer on nuclear power.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c3v50qy35pwt