Commenting on the eve of the government’s energy review, Prospect General Secretary Paul Noon said on behalf of 15,000 nuclear scientists, engineers and managers: "If press reports are correct, the government has got it right on nuclear power and is tackling the tough long-term issues on sustainable and secure energy supply.

"Industry and householders have already seen energy prices skyrocket, and worse is almost certain to come this winter. This is hitting UK competitiveness and jobs as well as peoples' pockets. Urgent action is needed now if we are to avoid electricity rationing in the longer term.

"Nuclear new-build, as well as action on renewables and energy saving, must be part of the sustainable solution. The effects of climate change are already being felt, and the UK must break with its addiction to fossil fuels and cut back on burning carbon. It is a delusion to think that renewables are the complete answer.

"Nuclear must be part of the mix but only if the energy market is structured to favour public interest and sustainable solutions over short-term profit."

Noon hit back at critics who have accused the government of conducting its review too fast. "The truth is that the government conducted an in-depth review of energy policy only three years ago. The issues have not changed but the urgency with which they need to be addressed most certainly has. Britain cannot sit on the fence any longer."

However Noon stressed that nuclear policy had to recognise the limits of the market. "Ministers must come up with proposals to give industry and the City confidence over a long period that their money will not be wasted because of a change in political direction.

"That will require an independent energy agency at arms’ length from government to provide a long-term framework for policy delivery. The agency’s job would be to take decisions on the EU emissions scheme in the UK, to co-ordinate finance for investment and lay down clear guidelines on energy efficiency and the mix of energy sources."

Prospect is the recognised trade union for 15,000 members working for nuclear companies and public sector bodies, making it the largest union in the nuclear industry. It has members at British Nuclear Fuels, British Energy, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, NIREX, NNC, HSE’s Nuclear Installations Inspectorate and the Ministry of Defence.