Britain’s opposition Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer has described nuclear power as a “critical part” of the UK’s energy mix and pledged to get stalled projects over the line, as Labour positions itself firmly behind the technology ahead of a general election likely next year.

Before Sir Keir presents his net zero energy policies during a speech in Scotland this week, the party said it would “push forward” nuclear to boost energy security, cut costs for consumers and create jobs.

On Sunday Sir Keir accused the Conservatives of a “shambolic” failure to begin operation of any nuclear power plants during 13 years in power.

He said the last Labour government approved 10 sites across England and Wales for new nuclear power stations in 2009.

But there are only two plants under construction at Hinkley Point C and another two in the pipeline at Sizewell C.