The UK Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has agreed to meet with Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies, the Mersey Dee North Wales All-Party Parliamentary Group and industry representatives to discuss the future of nuclear power in North Wales.
Kwasi Kwarteng MP committed to attending a meeting after being invited by James during questions in Parliament yesterday (March 23rd).
James said:
“The future of plans for the Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station on Anglesey has been uncertain since Hitachi withdrew its interest. Other companies have, however, expressed an interest in the development, which could secure thousands of highly skilled jobs in North Wales.
“Will my right hon. Friend therefore meet me, the All-Party Mersey Dee North Wales group and industry representatives to discuss the future of nuclear in the region?”
The Secretary of State for BEIS said he would be “delighted” to attend a meeting, and that his department is “absolutely committed to nuclear power and to the people of North Wales, in particular.”
He added: “Wlyfa is still a prime candidate for new nuclear power and I look forward to pursuing our discussions to see what may be done in this regard.”
Speaking afterwards, James said:
“It was a huge blow to North Wales when Hitachi pulled out of the £20 billion project for a nuclear power plant at Wylfa Newydd last year, but it remains a prime site for a new nuclear project and there has been interest in it from elsewhere.
“I am pleased that the Business and Energy Secretary is so committed to working with the All-Party Mersey Dee North Wales group, which I chair, and industry representatives, to explore other viable options, and hope our meeting results in some positive outcomes.
“it is important that the significant employment, training and other associated economic benefits that the Hitachi project would have generated across the whole region, can still be achieved.”
Al Mather, Director of the North West Nuclear Arc said:
“Wylfa Newydd is considered to the be the best site in Europe for large nuclear new build. North Wales has the people, skills and supply chains to deliver large build and bring long term benefits to North Wales and more widely across the North West Nuclear Arc."
