Sizewell C opponents rallying ahead of possible final investment decision
Opponents say this is a chance for people to come together and say “no” to Sizewell C and show their 'outrage' against the project
Those against a third nuclear reactor on the Suffolk coast are demonstrating ahead of a possible final investment decision, on the scheme.
This so-called 'Outrage' rally is be held on Sizewell beach- and is a peaceful demonstration that gets underway from 11am.
It's been put together by the group's 'Stop Sizewell C' and 'Together Against Sizewell C (TASC)'.
Opponents say this is a chance for people to come together and say “no” to Sizewell C, with ministers and officials "race against the clock" to formally approve the project.
Yesterday, TASC filed a legal claim over plans for additional coastal flood defences at Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station.
These were omitted from the original planning application and which the group says could negatively impact local wildlife.
"We want common sense to prevail"
Alison Downes is from the group, 'Stop Sizewell C':
She told us why this has all been put together:
"People's outrage at this project could be related to destruction of the surrounding landscape, 26 thousand trees and miles of hedgerows have been destroyed over the last 12 months"
"It could be the traffic, new speed-limits, roadworks, closures and more wide-loads or it could be the fact that rents are going up in Leiston, which is putting added pressure on families".
Alison went on to tell us where the £40 billion behind this project, could and should go instead:
"We could build 40 hospitals, we could install four times the capacity of Sizewell C in off-shore wind.
"We could restore pensioners winter fuel payments for almost three decades. The Chancellor could fill a few of her £20 billion 'blackholes' in the public purse. We want common sense to prevail".
What's the Government said on Sizewell C recently?
In August 2024- the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero published details of a new subsidy scheme- called the Sizewell C Devex Scheme.
The department says this would give "continued support" to the development of Sizewell C" to the point of a Final Investment Decision.
This is the point where a project of this scale would get formal approval from the Government for this scheme to be built.
The total value of support allowed by the scheme is £5.5 billion.
It's widely expected Chancellor, Rachel Reeves will lay out the Government's position on the Final Investment Decision for Sizewell at the next Government's next spending review on Wednesday (11th June).
What has the developer of Sizewell C said?
EDF say this nuclear power station will deliver enough low-carbon electricity for six million homes over at least 60 years.
The energy company say the construction and operation of this will also lead to thousands of local jobs being created.