United Kingdom: The Prime Minister of UK, Rishi Sunak, is expected to announce investments of £200 million ($252 million) in nuclear deterrents and civil nuclear energy.
Sunak will unveil a ‘national endeavour’ to ensure the future of the nuclear submarine-building and nuclear energy industries. The PM’s office said in a statement that this funding will result in about 40000 jobs, which will form the backbone of the economy.
The UK government will make a new fund for the town of Barrow-in-Furness in northern England. The allowance will support job creation, enhance transportation links and promote building of new homes in the area.
In addition, the government will partner with industry leaders such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, EDF, and Babcock to invest at least £763 million ($962 million) by 2030 in education, employment, and skills development.
According to the government’s statement, the nuclear industry in the United Kingdom is presently undergoing an ‘unprecedented period of growth,’ fueled by the government’s nuclear energy targets. As a result, the industry is expected to require 123,000 new workers by 2030.
Additionally, the UK’s nuclear submarine industry is also set to expand in the near future following the establishment of the AUKUS security pact. Under this agreement, the United Kingdom and the United States will aid Australia in developing nuclear-powered submarines.
Sunak said that, “In a more dangerous and contested world, the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent is more vital than ever. And nuclear delivers cheaper, cleaner home-grown energy for consumers. That’s why we are investing in Barrow, the home of UK submarines, and in the jobs and skills of the future in the thriving British nuclear industry. Today we usher in the next generation of our nuclear enterprise, which will keep us safe, keep our energy secure, and keep our bills down for good.”