Johnson to host nuclear energy roundtable to remove barriers to new developments

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. We're going to make some big bets on nuclear power, not just the big projects, but also the small modular reactors Prime Minister Boris Johnson He told Conservative activists at his party’s spring conference in Blackpool on Saturday that the Government was going to place some “big bets on nuclear power”, including on backing small modular reactors as well as larger projects. No 10 officials said attendees at Monday’s roundtable are expected to discuss “how Government and industry can work together to remove barriers and progress future nuclear projects in the UK more quickly and cheaply”. Separately, exchequer secretary Helen Whately will chair a forum with oil and gas lenders to discuss North Sea oil and gas investment conditions The Treasury minister will meet with technical banks that lend to oil and gas companies operating in the UK and will emphasise the Government’s “commitment to domestic offshore oil and gas production”, Downing Street officials said. Chairman and former science minister Chris Skidmore told the PA news agency: “More wind power, more solar power and more nuclear can become the holy trinity of not only helping reduce emissions but also producing a cheap, secure and, above all, home-grown source of energy that will mean the UK won’t have to rely on outdated, foreign-owned fossil fuels.” In their letter to Mr Sunak, the group recommended transferring the burden of green levies from bill payers to oil and gas companies, while also embarking on a programme to better insulate homes in order to save households money.