News

Government plans nuclear overhaul to speed up new reactors

Published

3 months ago

March 13, 2026

MINISTERS say reforms will cut costs and strengthen energy security, but critics warn projects remain expensive and slow to build

The UK government has announced a major overhaul of the country’s nuclear planning and regulatory system aimed at speeding up the construction of new reactors, reducing costs and strengthening national energy security.

The reforms follow an independent review led by John Fingleton, which concluded that the current regulatory framework is overly complex and bureaucratic, slowing the delivery of nuclear infrastructure.

Ministers say the changes will simplify regulation while maintaining safety and environmental protections, with all recommendations expected to be implemented by the end of 2027.

The government argues that expanding nuclear energy will help reduce Britain’s dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets and support the transition to low-carbon electricity.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “The current conflict in the Middle East shows why we must move further and faster to build the clean energy system our country needs.

“A crucial part of this is ensuring that we speed up the building of infrastructure in a way that reduces costs while delivering better outcomes for nature.”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said nuclear energy would play an important role in strengthening the UK’s economic resilience.

“To build national resilience, drive energy security and deliver economic growth, we need nuclear,” she said.

The government has already approved major nuclear projects including Sizewell C in Suffolk and the ongoing construction of Hinkley Point C in Somerset. Ministers are also backing plans for small modular reactors, with the first expected to be built at the former Wylfa nuclear site on Anglesey in North Wales.

Alongside the regulatory reforms, the government confirmed £65.6 million of funding for seven nuclear research programmes at universities across the UK.

Institutions involved include Bangor University and Swansea University, with the funding delivered through UK Research and Innovation and matched by industry partners.

The programme will also fund more than 500 doctoral students over four years to train the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers.

Research areas will include advanced reactor technologies, nuclear waste disposal, innovative fuels and materials, and technologies linked to national security.

However, environmental campaigners remain sceptical about the expansion of nuclear power.

Groups including Greenpeace UK have previously warned that nuclear plants are expensive and take many years to build, arguing that investment should instead focus on renewable energy such as wind and solar.

Large nuclear projects in the UK have also faced significant delays and rising costs. Hinkley Point C, currently under construction in Somerset, has seen its estimated completion date pushed back several times while projected costs have increased substantially.

Supporters of nuclear power argue that it provides a reliable source of low-carbon electricity that can operate regardless of weather conditions, helping to stabilise the energy system as more renewable power comes online.

The government says the wider nuclear sector could support around 65,000 jobs by 2030, including roles linked to the UK’s defence nuclear programme and the construction of new Dreadnought-class submarines.

The reforms are intended to make it easier to deliver both civil and defence nuclear projects while maintaining safety standards and environmental protections.

News

Tenby lifeboat tows yacht to safety after skipper falls ill near Caldey

Published

4 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A YACHT was towed back to Tenby after its skipper became unwell off Caldey Island.

Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch at 1:40pm on Monday (Jun 15), after the coastguard received a call from the occupants of a yacht reporting that the skipper had become ill around one mile south of Caldey Island.

The volunteer crew quickly made their way to the vessel, which had three people and a dog on board.

Once alongside, the lifeboat crew discovered that the skipper was suffering badly from seasickness and that the other two people on board were unable to sail the yacht themselves.

After a full assessment by the coxswain, it was decided that the safest course of action was to tow the yacht back to Tenby. The vessel was drifting with the tide towards Caldey Island and was also considered a potential navigational hazard to other boats.

Two lifeboat crew members were placed aboard the yacht to help set up the tow and to monitor the unwell skipper during the journey back.

After a tow of around an hour, the yacht was placed on the lifeboat mooring in the calmer waters of North Bay.

The lifeboat then returned to station, arriving back at 3:15pm.

Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

Published

4 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.

The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.

There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.

Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.

On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.

Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.

Crime

Mid Wales peace activist arrested outside court after Palestine Action ruling

Published

5 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MID WALES peace activist Angie Zelter was arrested outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London after holding a placard in support of Palestine Action.

The 75-year-old campaigner, from Knucklas, Powys, was detained at around 12:20pm on the steps of the court, according to Radnor Palestine Links.

The group said Ms Zelter was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after holding a sign which read: “Saving lives is not terrorism. I support Palestine Action.”

She was taken to Charing Cross Police Station and released around two hours later, the group said.

The arrest came as the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the UK Government over its decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.

The ruling overturned an earlier High Court decision which had found the ban unlawful. The Court of Appeal held that the Government’s decision was lawful and proportionate.

Palestine Action was banned after the Home Secretary moved to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Supporting or inviting support for a proscribed organisation can be a criminal offence.

Radnor Palestine Links said the protest formed part of an ongoing campaign against the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful demonstrators.

Ms Zelter, a long-standing peace and human rights campaigner, has been arrested more than 100 times worldwide during decades of non-violent direct action. She is also known as a founder of Trident Ploughshares.

Speaking after her arrest, Ms Zelter said: “I think it’s a terrible indictment of the criminal justice system that you are charging me with terrorism for holding a peaceful sign.

“We have to uphold the most important international laws. Peaceful, disruptive protest is absolutely essential to protect democracy.”

The Metropolitan Police has been asked to confirm the circumstances of the arrest, whether Ms Zelter was formally charged, and the conditions of her release.

Photo caption: Court protest: Angie Zelter outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London holding a sign in support of Palestine Action (Pic: Radnor Palestine Links).