Commenting
on Hitachi suspending work on
the Wylfa nuclear power station, Shadow Business Secretary
MP
said:
"The government’s new nuclear strategy, adopted by the
Conservatives and spearheaded by their Liberal Democrat coalition
partners in 2013, is now lying in tatters.
"Just two months ago, the government’s lack of clarity over
funding for new nuclear led Toshiba to withdraw from Moorside.
That was a blow to the UK’s energy security, its decarbonisation
goals, and the economy of Cumbria.
"But with Hitachi’s decision to withdraw from the Wylfa
nuclear power plant, this triple blow has escalated into a
full-blown crisis. It is now incumbent on to answer three
questions.
"First, how is the government going to fill the 6.3
gigawatt hole of low carbon energy left by Moorside and Wylfa –
thirteen percent of the UK’s electricity? Second, does the
government still support new nuclear for the UK, and if so, when
can we expect a new plan? Third, what contingency plans are in
place for jobs and the economy of Anglesey and North Wales, where
Wylfa was projected to create up to 10,000 jobs at peak periods,
and 850 permanent jobs thereafter?
"Finally, a question for the Prime Minister. Did she raise
Wylfa nuclear power station when she met with the Japanese Prime
Minister Shinzo Abe last week? Shinzo Abe said they did not touch
upon the issue, whereas claimed at PMQs that it was
discussed. So which is it?"