17 May 2006
Prime minister Tony Blair has given his backing to the expended use of nuclear energy to meet the UK's energy requirements in the future.
Speaking at a Confederation of British Industry conference, Mr Blair said that action had to be taken now to ensure that the UK would be able to meet energy demand in the future.
He said that the country was rapidly becoming reliant on foreign gas and oil supplies and would soon depend on up to 90% of its energy needs from foreign sources by 2025.
"These facts put the replacement of nuclear power stations, a big push on renewables and a step-change on energy efficiency, engaging both business and consumers, back on the agenda with a vengeance," he said.
"If we don't take these long-term decisions now, we will be committing a serious dereliction of our duty to the future of this country."
Mr Blair's comments have been criticised by some who believe that by making the assertion he has prejudged the forthcoming energy review, which will be published this summer.
The review has carried out consultations with the public, industry figures and energy companies in order to find a consensus on the future of the UK's energy supplies.
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