"E.On and RWE npower's decision to pull out of the Horizon venture has very worrying implications for both Horizon's 120 highly-skilled employees, who now face an uncertain future, and for the UK's wider energy policy and security of supply.

"At a time when we face the closure of several large coal-fired power stations between now and the end of 2015, the Horizon venture was to be a major contributor in achieving a new UK fleet of nuclear power stations to provide a secure low-carbon energy supply for the future.

"Without new investment, the knock-on economic consequences of this lost opportunity will stretch far beyond the immediate workforce given that the new build would have provided skilled employment in construction, manufacturing and throughout the supply chain for decades to come.

"We are seeking urgent meetings with ministers in both the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to press for every measure to be put in place to encourage new investors.

"We will also be working with community groups to build a broad coalition of support to get the necessary backing at local as well as national level."