AN MEP has welcomed a decision to review a nuclear project in Somerset which could set the tone for a new power station at Bradwell.

Last year EDF Energy signed heads of terms, principles which precede a contract, with China General Nuclear Power Corporation for Bradwell B on a greenfield site next to the former station.

The Chinese firm has pledged to provide two thirds of development costs and hopes to begin work by 2023. Up to 25,000 jobs will be created during construction.

However, in July the Government called for a review of the Hinkley Point C project, which also involves EDF and the Chinese firm.

At a conference on energy security in Cambridge East Anglia MEP Vicky Ford told business leaders and regulators that Theresa May was right to reflect on the UK's proposed deal with China and France over nuclear power stations.

Mrs Ford said: "This is a huge issue for Bradwell and the residents of South Essex.

“I visited Bradwell earlier this year and I was very impressed by the world-class technical expertise working on decommissioning the old power station and the work that is already going on in the local schools to build skills for the future.

“Nuclear is very important for our long term economic and energy security as well as local jobs."

It is not currently known what impact the review could have on the new deal for Bradwell B.

But Mrs Ford added: "Mrs May has asked for time to reflect on the deal. She is right to look closely at the detail especially the price commitments of the long-term contract as well as the data and cyber security issues.

“We must ensure all safety and environmental issues are fully addressed. The next generation of nuclear power stations will be operating for over forty years - if our new PM needs another four months or so to look at the detail then this is time well spent."