ESNZ Chair comments on the Governments announcement of new Sizewell C nuclear plant

"Today’s announcement is the biggest nuclear building programme in a generation.

"Backing Sizewell C with £14.2bn funding, building one of the first SMR fleets in Europe with Rolls-Royce SMR selected as the preferred bidder, and investing record amounts into fusion energy research — with progress on the world-leading fusion plant in Nottinghamshire — these are important commitments to new industries and technology. I’m particularly pleased to see Great British Energy - Nuclear’s role, ensuring that 70% of nuclear supply chain products are British-built.

"This is clean, homegrown power to boost the UK’s energy security, protect billpayers, and drive economic growth.

"From our Committee visit to Sizewell C, and my own visit to the Nuclear Physics Department at the University of Liverpool, it is clear that projects of this scale draw on expertise from every region. And in strengthening supply chains and growing the UK’s skills base, the economic activity generated by this project will be felt nationwide.

"This sort of long-term commitment also gives the private sector the confidence it needs to invest — in infrastructure, innovation, and the next generation of skilled workers.

"Plenty for the Select Committee to scrutinise when we start our enquiry into the future of nuclear in the autumn."