SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has welcomed the news that energy firms E.On and RWE Npower will not now develop new nuclear projects on Anglesey and near Bristol.

Ms Ritchie, who sits on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee at Westminster as well as leading on energy and climate change for the SDLP in the Commons, said this was a clear signal that the writing was on the wall for new nuclear energy facilities.

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She said: "Whether these firms pulled out of developing the Wylfa and Overbury sites because of environmental or financial reasons, we now have pause for thought about how essential these facilities are.

"There remains considerable scepticism about the safety of nuclear plants long-term and, having seen the knock-on effects of problems at Sellafield in my own constituency, I would urge the government to think what alternatives to nuclear power they can tap into, especially in the renewables sector.

The Minister concluded: "E.On and RWE Npower have weathered the storm of Germany’s decision to abandon nuclear power – I am quite sure if the UK followed suit we would adapt and survive to the environmental benefit of all."

(PM)