Newly released documents reveal Prime Minister Keir Starmer disregarded concerns from nuclear safety regulators when blaming regulations for reactor delays. The Labour leader’s February announcement of a “nuclear renaissance” claimed excessive rules had stifled industry growth a position directly contradicted by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR).
Freedom of Information disclosures show ONR told ministers before the launch that claims about regulatory delays were “not true.” The watchdog specifically challenged a draft press release statement suggesting differing European assessments of Hinkley Point C’s design caused holdups. “Our feeling is this doesn’t stand up,” ONR wrote, noting they’d previously corrected similar claims.
Despite four specific objections from the nuclear regulator, Starmer’s final announcement retained the disputed wording. The February 6 release headlined “Government rips up rules to fire up nuclear power” formed part of Labour’s broader push to demonstrate pro-growth credentials, including reining in competition watchdogs.
Industry experts expressed dismay at the approach. Independent nuclear consultant Dave Cullen called the announcement “cynical and unprofessional,” while Open University’s Andrew Blowers accused Starmer of “ignorant prejudice” toward regulators. The controversy comes as Hinkley Point C’s costs balloon from £18bn to potentially £46bn, with completion now expected by 2031 – 14 years behind initial projections.
ONR maintains its design approval process concluded in 2012, five years before construction began, and says subsequent delays stem from building challenges rather than regulation. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero declined to explain why ONR’s corrections were ignored, only confirming the regulator would contribute to ongoing policy reviews.
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