VIRGINIA Crosbie MP for Ynys Môn has called for a shift to greater nuclear power to ensure the country is not held to “ransom” by Russia.
As the Ukraine-Russia War continues, many countries are questioning their reliance on Russian gas and oil, with the country one of the largest exporters of natural resources in the world.
The UK’s dependence is significantly lower than that of mainland Europe, but there remains a drive to fully cut this dependence.
During a Support for Ukraine debate in the House of Commons, Mrs Crosbie said: “Given the barbaric invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the threats to cut off gas supplies to the west and the rising energy prices here in the UK, will the Secretary of State join me in calling for the continued expansion of renewable energy and for massively expanding and accelerating the UK’s nuclear programme to ensure that we meet net zero, dramatically lower our energy prices and ensure that we can never be held to ransom over our energy supplies?”
In response, Secretary of State Liz Truss agreed with Mrs Crosbie that the West could no longer rely on Russian energy imports, stating that “agreed ceilings with our G7 partners, agreeing a timetable for reduction and helping through price support and supporting those countries that are very dependent” should be priorities for the Government right now.
Speaking afterwards, Mrs Crosbie also alluded to the opportunity nuclear power could present to Anglesey, with a planned project in Wylfa Newydd cancelled in 2020.
Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station was a proposed project to construct a 2,700 MWe nuclear power station with two ABWR reactors in Anglesey.
Despite initial hopes for construction to start between 2018-19, owners Hitachi withdrew from the project having failed to agree on funding with the UK Government.
The site remains empty, yet is still being earmarked as a potential site for nuclear power expansion in the UK.
Mrs Crosbie added: “My desire for new nuclear power production on Anglesey isn’t just about jobs and investment for Anglesey, although that is vitally important, it is overwhelmingly about the UK’s national energy interest.
“Putin’s reckless invasion has shown us we must have energy security.
“But I think decisions need to be made quickly so we can get on with securing that energy.
“Wylfa Newydd is the best location in the UK to house a new large nuclear reactor and SMRs.
“The infrastructure is there and the workforce is there and I won’t stop until we get the decision we want and the country needs.”
The Wylfa Newydd site was recently visited by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who joined Mrs Crosbie on a tour of the site.
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