UK government decides to delay Hinkley Point decision until the autumn

• 7 years ago (2016-07-29)

Asia 848 Europe 1061 Nuclear 640

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While the government said it was “only right” to review the project, the GMB union has labelled the move as “bonkers,” and the Labour Party has branded government decision-making on the issue as “chaos”. Contracts were supposed to have been signed today.

The EDF group chief executive, Jean-Bernard Levy, said: “I have no doubt about the support of the British government led by Mrs. May [for the project].”

Justin Bowden, the GMB union’s national secretary for energy, said: “This unnecessary hesitation is putting finance for the project in doubt and 25 000 new jobs at risk immediately after Brexit.”

One third of the £18 billion cost is being provided by China General Nuclear Power Corporation, which has reiterated its support for the project.

Some industry observers claim the events of the last 24 hours will send mixed signals about the UK being open for business in the wake of the referendum vote.