The GMB union today urged the UK Government to get on with building the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant in Somerset. Prime Minister Theresa May halted the £18billion project at the 11th hour and ordered a review late last month, a move that was widely criticised by unions. The UK Government is thought to be concerned about rising costs and the prospect of giving China a large stake in vital UK infrastructure. A recent media report said the prime minister is examining the possibility of invoking a get-out clause to derail Hinkley permanently. But Justin Bowden, GMB national secretary for energy, said the government should stop stalling: “This report is disturbing for those concerned with keeping the lights on as more and more power stations are due to be decommissioned over the next few years. “The government must get on with building Hinkley Point C as the only carbon free show in town to keep the lights on during the one in six days when there is no wind or sun.”
Energy Voice 15th Aug 2016 read more »
British Prime Minister Theresa May has written to China’s president and premier seeking to enhance trade and cooperation, amid a dispute over London delaying a $24 billion nuclear project due to security concerns over Chinese financing. China has cautioned Britain against closing the door to Chinese money, warning relations are at a crucial juncture after May last month delayed signing off on the Hinkley Point nuclear project in Somerset, England. In a statement late on Monday, China’s foreign ministry cited a British envoy as telling Foreign Minister Wang Yi that Britain attached great importance to Sino-British cooperation. Alok Sharma, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, told Wang that May had written to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang saying she looked forward to attending next month’s G20 summit in China. Britain “looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China on trade and business and on global issues”, China’s foreign ministry said, citing the letter.
Reuters 16th Aug 2016 read more »