Anglesey MP calls for commitment from Boris Johnson to fund new nuclear plant on island

Calls have been made for the UK Government to commit to funding a new nuclear plant on Anglesey.

The issue was raised at yesterday’s Prime Minister’s Questions by Ynys Môn MP Virginia Crosbie following Boris Johnson’s recent visit to the island.

The Conservative MP asked him to make establishing a new nuclear plant a government priority.

The Prime Minister visited the Wylfa Newydd site last week, where nuclear power could be developed in a bid to attract jobs and investment to the island.

Mr Johnson did not make a direct commitment, but jokingly referred to the MP’s supposed “Atomic Kitten” nickname.

Ms Crosbie said she had been pushing for the site to be part of the UK Government’s nuclear energy strategy.

She said: “I would like to say diolch to the Prime Minister for visiting my Ynys Môn constituency, where he saw at first hand the enormous beneficial impact the new nuclear plant Wylfa Newydd could have if built on Anglesey.

“Nuclear power must play a role if we are to meet our carbon and net-zero commitments, level up and combat rising energy prices.

“Does my right honourable friend agree that the rapid deployment of nuclear technology must be a priority for this government, and if so will he commit to financing a nuclear plant at the Wylfa site in this parliament?

In reply, Boris Johnson said: “It was a great joy to visit my honourable friend’s constituency, where I believe she is known as ‘Atomic Kitten’… and she outlined in great detail her plans for Wylfa.

“It is a fantastic vision and a fantastic site, and it remains a very interesting and attractive prospect for new nuclear power.”

Speaking afterwards, Ms Crosbie added: “I didn’t get the commitment I wanted from the PM today but I will keep on trying until I do.

“However, the good news is the PM was very impressed with Wylfa Newydd when he visited last week and he’s absolutely right: it is an attractive site for new nuclear power – something I will not stop going on about until I get concrete plans to bring this clean energy to the island and with it the jobs and investment we need.”