Energy policy 'back with a vengeance' says PM

29 November 2005

A wide-ranging review of how Britain powers itself has been announced by Tony Blair.

He said with energy supplies under threat all options needed to be looked at - including nuclear power stations.

Before the PM's speech anti-nuclear protestors scaled the roof of the conference hall.

After a short delay and a change of venue, he told business leaders at the CBI conference that energy policy was 'back on the agenda with a vengeance'.

He said:

"Round the world you can sense feverish re-thinking. Energy prices have risen. Energy supply is under threat. Climate change is producing a sense of urgency.

"By around 2020 the UK is likely to have seen decommissioning of coal and nuclear plants that together generate over 30 per cent of today's electricity supply."

And he added that 'some of this will be replaced by renewables, but not all of it can'.

• Read the PM's speech in full
• PM to make 'right long-term' decisions on environment

The review will look at progress towards goals set in the Energy White Paper of 2003. Chaired by energy minister Malcolm Wicks, it will aim to report in the summer of 2006.

Referring to the protest, Mr Blair accepted that nuclear power was a controversial topic, but called for an open debate.

"What we need is a serious debate, not one conducted by protest or demonstration to stop people expressing their views."

• PM addresses six key areas of reform for Britain

Useful links

• See our special climate change section
• Downloads the Energy White Paper (opens in new window)
• Carbon Trust (opens in new window)
• Confederation of British Industry (opens in new window)
• Department of Trade and Industry (opens in new window)