Government 'disappointed' at talks breakdown

Commenting on reports of discussions between British Energy and EDF, Business Secretary John Hutton (pictured) said: "I am disappointed that talks between British Energy and EDF have not yet been successful. We thought it was a good deal and we were ready to accept. EDF is the world's largest nuclear operator. It would have been a sensible way to take forward new nuclear plans in the UK "That wasn't the view of all of the shareholders and the government is a minority shareholder in a publicly listed company. It is a now matter for both Boards to see how to proceed. "Our commitment to nuclear power is clear and nuclear new build does not depend on one single deal. BE still has potential sites: and sites are available from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. "The level of interest in nuclear new build in the UK from EDF and from other operators remains high. "Recent developments in energy markets underline the need for new nuclear to combat high fossil fuel prices, climate change and security of supply."