First Minister must fly the flag for Welsh nuclear industry if Wylfa to go ahead say Welsh Conservatives

Andrew RT Davies AM – the Welsh Conservative spokesperson for Environment, Sustainability and Rural Affairs - made the call following the announcement that Hitachi would be suspending the North Wales project.

The South Wales Central AM said the announcement was "disappointing" but "wasn't the end of the road". He also stated that the project was at considerable risk if the First Minister didn't clear up his traditionally hostile nuclear outlook.

The project was pulled following days of speculation about Hitachi's position. 

Speaking following the announcement, the Welsh Conservative AM said:

"Whilst disappointing, this news isn't the end of the road. Wylfa’s suspension is a big setback for Wales’ nuclear industry in particular, but the Oldbury announcement will also be a disappointment because a lot of the expertise and workers will be Welsh contractors as is the case at Hinkley.

"I've been reassured by the UK Government that it stands ready to continue discussing the options with Hitachi or others to take these projects forward. 

"It doesn't help that we now have a nuclear sceptic as First Minister. He needs to publicly state his support for the sector because ultimately, it’s the people of North Wales who will lose out if it is perceived that there is no Welsh Government support.

 "Wales has world leading expertise and capability across the nuclear sector, from R&D to decommissioning. The UK Government has recognised that, and now the First Minister needs to fly the flag for our nuclear industry if Wylfa has any chance of going ahead."