"A HUGE blow" for Anglesey and Wales is just one of the reactions by an MP to the recent speculation over the future of the Wylfa Newydd nuclear project.

This week, it was widely reported that Hitatchi was likely to freeze work on its multi-billion pound Horizon division plant at Cemaes Bay.

Anglesey's Labour MP Albert Owen said on Monday: "If the rumours and press speculation prove to be correct, this will be a huge blow for the whole region and Wales.

"I will be putting pressure on the Government to provide clarity, as it is a major stakeholder in the project.

"I want to know if there is a plan B and is there a Brexit factor, certainly the government appears to have lost focus."

"The Welsh Government and local authorities have invested a lot of time, money and effort in the North Wales Growth Bid and a number of important Wylfa-related projects could now be at risk.

"Wylfa Newydd offers huge job and career opportunities, with peak jobs estimated at 6000 – 8000, and many further indirect jobs in the wider supply chain. I will continue to work with stakeholders and cross-party on this matter."

Rhun ap Iorwerth, Ynys Môn's Plaid Cymru AM, said: “I had come to the conclusion over the past few weeks that things looked very serious indeed for the Wylfa project.

“I’m told clearly that Brexit hasn’t helped - with the UK Government entirely distracted by Brexit matters and lacking capacity to seek a funding deal with Japanese partners.

"If they were serious about delivering Wylfa, they needed to act pretty quickly.

“For Welsh Government, a decision not to proceed with Wylfa leaves a big gap in economic plans, and we’ll want urgent action to address that for the good of the wider Welsh economy and my constituents on Ynys Môn.”

In a statement today (Tuesday) AM Ken Skates Minister for Economy and Transport said he was seeking "assurance" from the UK Government that they were doing "everything possible" to ensure the project was "enabled to continue."

"Wylfa Newydd is a major project with potentially significant economic benefits to Anglesey, North Wales and the UK.

"The speculation over recent days is therefore very worrying.

"We are continuing to maintain our close dialogue and relationship with Ynys Môn County Council, Horizon Nuclear Power and key stakeholders to track this unfolding situation.

"We need to remain collectively focused on ensuring this project is secured for Ynys Môn."

Mr Skates added he and his officials were in "close dialogue" with Horizon Nuclear Power and Anglesey County Council.

Earlier this week, the GMB Union renewed calls on the UK government to "be prepared" to save the project.

Justin Bowden the GMB National Secretary, said:

“Without urgent UK government intervention, this country’s new nuclear energy plans will be reduced to tatters.

“Government must act and step in now, picking up the reins and taking whatever funding stake is necessary, to ensure Wylfa goes ahead on time.

“Wind and solar on their own cannot keep the country’s lights on, our homes heated and the economy powered. We need nuclear and gas as well. Relying on foreign companies for vital energy infrastructure is plain daft.”

Ruth Chapman, managing director of renewable energy company Dulas, said: "The failure of this project is another example of the spiralling costs we’re seeing in nuclear power, which, when compared to other low carbon power generation offered by renewable energy, is rapidly becoming a madness to pursue."

"Onshore wind is the lowest cost, and most swiftly deployed, option for UK power needs. In scrapping support for the cleanest, cheapest form of power, this Government is threatening to create a national energy scenario that won’t keep the lights on.

"Coupled with the failure to support other clean energy projects in Wales, such as Swansea Tidal Lagoon and a commensurate lack of investment in grid infrastructure, the Government has little realistic chance of lowering energy costs for consumers, or securing any form of long term energy security."

Horizon were contacted for comment but were unavailable.