Former Kingston MP Ed Davey has criticised the government’s decision to delay building a “much needed” nuclear power plant in the UK, calling the postponement damaging to international relations.

The former Liberal Democrat MP was at the forefront of negotiations between the coalition and French utility company EDF to build the Hinkley Point power plant in Somerset while working as energy secretary in 2013. 

Representatives from EDF – which is owned by the French government – were due to sign contracts before the government’s surprise announcement to review a decision this morning.

Friday, March 11: Ed Davey hits out at Tories over Hinkley Point nuclear deal criticism

The £18bn project would see the first nuclear plant built in the UK for 20 years.

Mr Davey: “It’s a bizarre start to the post-Brexit economy to delay a much needed energy project.

“They’ve annoyed the French, they’ve annoyed the Chinese because they’ve put a lot of money into it. It’s not a very good start.

“It’s going to take a long time to build this. If the British cancel it we will have to stump up a lot of money. It’s not that you can cancel it and just walk away.”

In March, a leading energy consultant criticised Mr Davey, calling the Hinkley Point deal the “worst he had ever seen”.

But this morning, GMB union national secretary for energy Justin Bowden called the government’s decision to delay the project “bewildering and bonkers”.

Mr Davey added: “Theresa May was involved in the cabinet that made the decision. The Conservatives were the champions of nuclear, the Tories were the cheerleaders.

“It wasn’t just me negotiating, I made sure that cross-government everyone was involved. I was the one who held out for a cheaper price - I worked hard.”

Mr Davey, who lost his seat in 2015 after 18 years, recently began his job as a senior advisor for MHP, a lobbying firm which counts EDF as one of its clients.

The power station would be the most expensive in the world and generate about 7 per cent of Britain’s electricity, estimated to be enough power for six million homes.

Some people have criticised the project and its potential environmental damage and rumoured escalating costs.

Mr Davey said: “When you look at the numbers, it’s extremely unlikely that we will be able to replace that power without some nuclear power stations.

“I’m a huge believer in renewables, a huge believer in energy efficiency. You have to have nuclear in the mix, whether you like it or not."

EDF has since expressed optimism the “unique” project will still go ahead.