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David Cameron paves way for Japanese to build nuclear power stations in UK

Japanese companies could help build nuclear power stations in Britain under a joint framework signed by David Cameron.

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron, left, shakes hands with Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda at the latter's official residence in Tokyo
David Cameron, who is on an official tour of Asia designed to promote trade and investment, shakes hands with Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda Credit: Photo: AP

The prime minister, who was on his first official visit to Japan, signed an agreement on Tuesday that opened Britain's nuclear market up to "Japanese companies' technical expertise in new plant design and construction".

In return, British companies will be called upon to help the ongoing clean-up at the Fukushima plant in the wake of last year's earthquake and tsunami.

The agreement said: "Japanese companies' technical expertise in new plant design and construction, and the UK's decommissioning and waste-management experience and technology make civil nuclear co-operation particularly mutually beneficial."

Mr Cameron, who is on an official tour of Asia designed to promote trade and investment, told reporters: "British companies have significant expertise in nuclear decommissioning and clean-up, with 19 nuclear sites in the UK currently being managed through the process."

Charles Hendry, Minister of State for Energy, added: "The UK has a wealth of expertise and experience in the area of nuclear decommissioning and waste management. I am in no doubt that co-operation with Japan in these areas will bring mutual benefits. This agreement will open up opportunities for UK firms to work with Japanese industry and to continue to share the UK's world-class expertise, just as we did in the aftermath of Fukushima."

The Prime Minister also welcomed Nissan's plan to build a new hatchback at its Sunderland plant. The move, which follows the announcement that the UK plant will also make Nissan's new Invitation car, is expected to create 225 jobs in Sunderland and a further 900 in the supply chain.

"Nissan's investment in the UK is a huge vote of confidence in the skills and flexibility of the UK workforce. We want to attract more investment like this," said Mr Cameron.

The announcement was made by Mr Cameron and Toshiyuki Shiga, Nissan's chief operating officer at the car giant's headquarters in Yokohama, Japan.

Mr Shiga said: "Nissan already produces more vehicles in Europe than any other Asian manufacturer and the model announced today will bring world-class quality and leading technology to our customers."

Nissan is investing an additional £127m in its Sunderland operation supported by an offer of £8.2m from the Government's regional growth fund.