The SDLP has slammed the British Government after it confirmed that China Nuclear Energy Power Group (CGN) is to invest in the nuclear facility at Hinkley Point.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said the latest development marks a retrograde step in the UK's energy and diplomatic strategy.

She said: "CGNs poor safety record in past projects coupled with the Chinese Government’s poor human rights record has raised serious concerns around those behind the proposed Hinkley facility.

-- Advertisement --

"It is quite clear that the inclusion of CGN is a move of sheer desperation on the part of the British Government. Other energy firms including Centrica have run a mile from this project. They have been rightly appalled by catastrophic delays and financial losses at all EPR reactors. Flamanville in France is 6 years late where costs have tripled to €10.5 billion and the Finnish EPR is seven years late and €4 billion euros over budget.

"Quite apart from nuclear energy's poor safety record, the intention to cede control of a major aspect of the national energy supply to a foreign government seems unwise. It opens the potential for the Chinese government, who maintain a poor human rights record, to exert political pressure in the UK."

(CD)