AN MP has revealed her Christmas wish in the wake of a Energy White Paper bringing positive news for Anglesey’s ‘Energy Island’ programme.

With nearly 80 mentions, the report gives a clear indication that the Government sees nuclear power as critical to its future energy strategy and its commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The White Paper includes the aim of bringing at least one large-scale nuclear project to the point of final investment decision by the end of this Parliament. With the future of Wylfa Newydd on Anglesey hanging in the balance, MP for Ynys Môn, Virginia Crosbie, held a private meeting with the Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, the Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP.

In that meeting she again raised the profile of the site and pressed for it to be progressed as a key part of the Government’s strategy.

Later, following the White Paper statement from the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP, Ms Crosbie took to the House of Commons Chamber to urge the Government on the next steps necessary to successfully deliver Wylfa Newydd.

To the amusement of those present, she sought to embrace the spirit of Christmas by asking: “Apart from writing to Santa, what more can I do for my constituents across Ynys Môn to ensure they have good news regarding Wylfa Newydd this Christmas?”

In response, the Secretary of State replied: “My honourable friend is a fantastic supporter of Ynys Môn and the role the island can have in supporting our energy transition. In terms of what more she can do, I would encourage her to continue doing what she has been doing already - advocating for her constituents, highlighting the opportunities and working collaboratively across the house.”

Ms Crosbie added: “After much speculation over recent months, I am pleased that the Energy White Paper released today provides more clarity over the future of nuclear energy in the UK.

“The withdrawal of Hitachi from Wylfa Newydd in September was a blow, but the White Paper makes it clear that nuclear is very much a part of the UK Government’s approach to achieving net zero carbon by 2050. Nuclear is mentioned around 80 times in the Report, and the Government clearly states its support for large scale nuclear power generation as critical to the future of our energy supply.

“I will keep fighting to bring Wylfa Newydd to Anglesey. I see it as a key part of the Government’s levelling up agenda as well as our energy priorities and it will bring much needed quality employment to our island.”

In addition to nuclear, the White Paper makes clear the UK Government’s commitment to renewable energy as a significant contributor to the country’s energy supply. With many innovative renewable projects, such as Morlais and Minesto’s Holyhead Deep, already progressing on Anglesey, the island will be a recipient of this renewables boost to help the Government achieve its aim of overwhelmingly decarbonised power in the 2030s.

The Government has also stressed its commitment to kick-starting the hydrogen economy by working with industry with the aim of achieving 5GW of production by 2030. This is supported by a new £240m net zero Hydrogen Fund for low carbon hydrogen production.

With hydrogen projects already underway on Anglesey this announcement represents a huge opportunity for the island to take centre stage in the development of this new industry.