THE MP for Ynys Môn has claimed plans to build a nuclear power station on the isle of Anglesey are still in tact following the withdrawal of tech giant Hitachi.

MP Virginia Crosbie held a private meeting with Nadhim Zahawi, UK Government minister of state for business, energy and industrial strategy who said the Wylfa site "ticks all the boxes" for the government's goal to become a net zero carbon emitter by 2050.

Hitachi unexpectedly pulled out of its £20billion Wylfa Newydd plan last week, resulting in the collapse of thousands of potential jobs and a devastating blow to the local economy. Work on the site had been suspended after the Japanese conglomerate failed to reach a funding agreement with the UK Government.

The development consent order for the Wylfa site, which is required for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, is due to expire on September 30.

Mrs Crosbie said: “It was extremely useful to have this time with the Minister to discuss options for the future of the Wylfa site. With the 30th September deadline for the Development Consent Order rapidly approaching and the UK Government’s Energy white paper due this Autumn, we will soon have a roadmap for delivering net zero.

“Hitachi may have pulled out but there are other options being proposed that could still see Wylfa playing a critical role in delivering the UK Government’s net zero and levelling up agendas. I am continuing to engage with key stakeholders including Horizon and the Nuclear Industry Association and I will continue to press Ministers on the matter at every opportunity.”

In a statement supporting Ms Crosbie’s work in pushing forward the case for Wylfa Newydd, Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association said:

“Wylfa is one of the most promising sites in Europe for new nuclear stations. It is imperative that a way forward is found for the site, to deliver thousands of highly skilled, well-paid jobs for the local community and to provide the reliable, low-carbon power we need for the UK’s transition to net zero.

“The nuclear industry has a bright future in this country: and the Government can secure these economic and environmental opportunities for future generations by setting out a clear pathway for new nuclear power in forthcoming policy announcements.”