Business as usual for Heysham Power Stations after EU vote

Heysham Power Stations owner EDF Energy said the UK's vote to leave the EU has no impact on its nuclear strategy here.
Ian Stewart, director of Heysham 1.Ian Stewart, director of Heysham 1.
Ian Stewart, director of Heysham 1.

The company employs around 1,500 full time employees and contract partners across its two nuclear reactors in Heysham.

The company, which is run by the French government, said: “As of today, we believe that this vote has no impact on our strategy, and the strategy for our UK subsidiary has not changed.

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“Our business strategy is not linked to Great Britain’s political affiliation with the European Union, so we have no reason to change it.

“I would just point out that in the last few days, spokespeople on energy issues for the Brexit camp – notably Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom – have on numerous occasions and again in recent days come out in favour of maintaining the decarbonisation policy, of maintaining the nuclear option, and of maintaining the Hinkley Point project. Therefore there are no consequences from this vote today.

“We operate in the markets like any large company, and we made sure that we did not take a position one way or the other. That means that we are in a neutral position vis-à-vis the movements that could occur in the markets.

“Market analysts believe that the pound will drop, but if the currency falls, the economy becomes more competitive. I think we need to adapt to economic conditions and to exchange rates, which can evolve.”