CONFIRMING the financial go-ahead of the Hinkley Point nuclear power station will be the first big litmus test that much-needed infrastructure UK projects will proceed, following the Brexit vote.

This is the message behind a letter from four trade unions – Unite, Ucatt, Prospect and the GMB union – to the chief executive of EDF Energy, Vincent de Rivaz, as the French energy giant is poised to make the ‘final investment decision’ (FID) for the Somerset plant.

The letter said: “The UK trade unions are 100 per cent in support of Hinkley Point C and believe that it is vital to make a final investment decision in a timely fashion soon after the consultation process between EDF and the French unions is completed.

“Nuclear new build is already behind the curve; we cannot afford further delay and it is vital for EDF to make a final investment decision now.”

The unions regard the go-ahead for the £18 billion project, which would generate seven per cent of UK electricity demand, as vital in terms of providing thousands of jobs and ‘keeping the lights on’ in the years ahead. Because of delays, the start date for electricity generation has been put back to 2025.

The letter continues: “From an energy perspective, the UK needs the electricity. We are rapidly losing capacity and this process will continue as the UK coal stations and nuclear stations reach the end of their operating lives.

“At the same time, we are committed to making a transition to a carbon-neutral balanced energy policy in the UK, including nuclear and renewables.

“Much is at stake in both France and the UK in terms of jobs, skills, social dialogue, industrial capability and prosperity into the future.”

The letter has been signed by the four general secretaries: Len McCluskey (Unite); Brian Rye (Ucatt); Mike Clancy (Prospect) and Tim Roache (GMB).

The letter adds: “It would be a tragedy, in both France and the UK, if all this work and the extraordinary opportunities it provides were to be lost.

“The moment to make the decision is upon us and we have a genuine fear that any further delay will lead to the unravelling of all that we have fought so hard to achieve.”

Unite national officer for energy Kevin Coyne said: “The final investment decision by EDF Energy in Hinkley Point will be the first litmus test, following the Brexit vote, that much-needed investment in large infrastructure projects is still coming on stream.”

Speaking after the referendum, EDF chairman Jean-Bernard Levy, emphasised that there should be no fears of reconsidering plans to construct two EPR nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point.

“I would just point out that in the last few days, spokespeople on energy issues for the Brexit camp – notably Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom – have on numerous occasions and again in recent days come out in favour of maintaining the decarbonisation policy, of maintaining the nuclear option, and of maintaining the Hinkley Point project. Therefore there are no consequences from this vote,” he said.