Prime Minister Sunak Unveils Plans To Bolster Britain’s UK Nuclear Capabilities
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak travelled to Barrow-in-Furness yesterday to unveil ambitious new plans to boost Britain’s UK nuclear capabilities. He announced that over £200 million of public and private funding will be invested each year for the next decade to support the town’s submarine shipyard and nuclear industry.
Barrow is the home of the Royal Navy’s nuclear-armed submarines and has played a crucial role in maintaining Britain’s UK nuclear deterrent for decades. However, Sunak warned that more investment is now needed to develop the next generation of nuclear technologies as the world becomes more dangerous and contested. He stated that the funding will secure over 8,000 jobs in Barrow and help drive forward innovation in UK nuclear power too.
Where Will The Money Be Spent?
The £20 million initial public investment will be used to complete infrastructure projects like a new bypass road to support the local economy and help residents access job opportunities. Major firms like BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and EDF will match this with at least £763 million of their own funding for new facilities, equipment and training. This joint public-private commitment aims to cement Barrow’s position at the heart of Britain’s UK nuclear sector for decades to come.
Sunak concluded that maintaining a continuous UK nuclear deterrent is essential given the threats Britain faces in an increasingly unstable world. He also stressed UK nuclear power’s importance as a stable, low-carbon source of domestic energy that can help drive down household bills. The multi-billion pound investment programme should thus enhance both national security and affordability, according to the Prime Minister.
