Conservatives hint at nuclear reversal

The Tories may be prepared to shift their stance on nuclear energy, a senior party figure has suggested.

Interviewed in the Daily Telegraph, shadow trade secretary Alan Duncan said his party had "no fixed opinion about nuclear energy".

That is being seen as a sign that the Conservatives could reverse earlier indications that the party would support a new wave of nuclear power plants in the UK.

It is also being seen as confirmation that the Conservatives are taking a greener line under the leadership of David Cameron.

Duncan said the Tories would review energy policy in order to achieve a "thorough, evidence-based" response to the proposals which will be brought forward by ministers.

The statement came on the eve of a Tory review of energy policy.

Duncan said it could be possible for renewable energy sources - such as wave and solar power - to make "a much more significant contribution than in the past".

He also predicted that there could be "a new lease of life" for fossil fuels – with clean-coal and carbon-capture technology playing a greater role in the future of provision.