Friday 24 June 2011

Government receives support from both industry and business on policy

The energy industry has shown support to the government's national policy statements, released yesterday.

EDF Energy said "these steps are important" and "we are encouraged to note the broad cross-party support on the need for new nuclear, which has been re-stated by senior politicians from all the main parties in recent weeks."

The French-owned giant said that the policy decisions would help the UK in recovery: "In turn, that will drive growth in jobs, rejuvenate the UK supply chain and help drive economic recovery."

This week Prime Minister David Cameron had confirmed his backing for the eight new nuclear plants set to become a part of the future energy mix: "I do think that nuclear power should be part of the mix in future as it is part of the mix right now."

The voice of British businesses also offered their support but hinted that speed was of the essence.

Rhian Kelly, CBI Director for Business Environment, said: "Time is running out to achieve a secure, low-carbon and cost effective energy mix, so it is good news that the Government has heeded our calls to publish the National Policy Statements on energy. These statements make clear the scale of the challenge. To provide investor confidence, what we now need is Parliament's approval before the summer recess so the energy sector can get on with what needs doing."