Britain needs nuclear power as we drive towards a new era of clean electricity. Our country has a proud history of nuclear power.

For decades, it has helped power our homes and businesses, while supporting tens of thousands of good, unionised jobs.

But for too long the potential of this industry has been held back, leaving Britain lagging behind in the race for jobs and investment.

Today the Government is setting out plans to drive forward on nuclear power as part of our Plan for Change to boost our energy independence, create jobs and unlock growth.

When I was energy secretary in the late 2000s, I was proud to identify the eight sites for new nuclear recognised in current planning rules.

Back then I firmly believed that Britain needed a new generation of nuclear. More than 15 years on, I feel that even more strongly. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has shown that relying on fossil fuels leaves us deeply exposed as a country.

At the same time, new nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors offer huge potential to deliver clean, homegrown energy for families and businesses.

That is why today we are taking action to speed up the rollout of nuclear.New planning rules will include leading-edge technologies for the first time and allow development in more places, while maintaining the highest safety standards.

And we are setting up a new taskforce to help more companies build here in Britain.

This comes on top of further funding for Sizewell C announced at the autumn budget and our small modular reactor competition.

Clean energy is the route to energy security, lower bills, good jobs and a safe climate for our children and grandchildren.

We will move fast and build things to seize these opportunities for Britain.