GMB says the delay in fixing a price for nuclear power is having a negative effect on UK jobs and investment.
The union for energy workers welcomed today's Government announcement that consent has been granted for two new nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point.
It removed the last planning obstacle to the creation of Hinkley C, and it is now down to EDF and the Government to agree a price for the energy which will be produced, and for EDF to decide whether to go ahead.
GMB national secretary for emergy and utilities, Gary Smith, said: "This decision is a welcome and necessary step forward.
"However the delay in agreeing the price to be paid for electricity to be generated in the fleet of nuclear power stations we need is very damaging for investment, jobs and for a low carbon economy in the UK.
"Earlier this month the energy and climate change committee called on the minister to urgently come up with a contingency plan in case the nuclear industry does not deliver the new power stations we need.
"The state is required to guarantee the levels of returns on investment for electricity suppliers. Since this is so why not go the whole hog and have a fully accountable nationalised delivery body particularly in the nuclear sector?
"While seeking agreement with this nationalised French power supplier the Government should also re-task the nationalised Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and re-name it as the UK Nuclear Development Authority to bring on stream some of the nuclear power stations we need."
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