The government has announced billions of pounds in funding is available to Sizewell C in a proposal that has been branded "appalling" by campaigners.

Together Against Sizewell C (TASC) responded to the government's announcement that up to £5.5 billion has been unlocked for a new nuclear power station subsidy scheme - with Sizewell C Limited set to be the main beneficiary. 

Anti-Sizewell campaigners have slammed the government Anti-Sizewell campaigners have slammed the government's announcement (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Approval for the building of a third site at the coastal town was granted in 2020 under the previous Conservative government. 

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) spokesperson said the Labour Government is “committed” to the 3.2 gigawatt power station, which the Sizewell C company    says will support 6 million homes. 

The Government had previously made £2.5 billion available to support the site's development.

Labour policymakers vowed to back the project in their election-winning manifesto earlier this year.

It said that Sizewell C along with other nuclear developments would “play an important role in helping the UK achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs."

A department spokesperson said: "Subject to all the relevant approvals we aim to reach a final investment decision before the end of the year, and we have established a new subsidy scheme of up to £5.5 billion to provide certainty and ensure the project has access to the necessary financial support to remain on track.

“Any investment from the scheme will be subject to approvals and in line with the project’s spending plans, as agreed by the Government and its co-shareholders.”

The dome at Sizewell BThe dome at Sizewell B (Image: EDF Energy)

However, TASC argue that the project will be "slow to build", harm nearby habitats and damage the tourism around Suffolk's coastline. 

Jenny Kirtley, chairperson for TASC, said: "We find this announcement appalling - Labour promised ‘change’ but there is no change here.

"Funds wasted on Sizewell C would be better spent on measures such as insulation and energy efficiency that could reduce bills now.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves previously spoke about a £22 billion black holeChancellor Rachel Reeves previously spoke about a £22 billion black hole (PA Media)

“Labour complained about a black hole in the country’s finances yet now they are proposing to dig still further."

In July, Chancellor Rachel Reeves warned that there was a £22 billion "black hole" left by the previous government, encouraging Labour to reduce the winter fuel allowance for millions of pensioners across the country.