In his last major policy speech as prime minister, Johnson said the rise in gas prices sparked by Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine showed why Britain needed new nuclear power generation capacity.

This is as part of efforts to improve UK energy security.

– The project will create thousands of jobs, but will also provide electricity to six million homes, roughly one-fifth of all homes in Great Britain, Johnson said in a speech today.

Will help several generations

The new reactor at the Sizewell plant in Suffolk is expected to be built in collaboration with energy company EDF.

Johnson is confident that this will help improve energy needs, not only for this generation, but for the next.

– Babies born this year will get energy from Sizewell C long after retirement, he says.

Criticizing the former leader

Johnson laments Britain’s failure to build a new nuclear power plant, and blames politicians for not being able to see outside the political circle.

Johnson said the government’s energy security strategy was to correct the chronic mistakes of the past, and make the long-term decisions Britain needed.

– We’ve got to get the national finger out, and get the Sizewell C running, says Johnson.

Increase energy costs

The announcement comes as the government faces enormous pressure to tackle rising energy costs, with prices set to rise 80 percent in October.

Johnson insisted that it would be up to Truss or Sunak to decide what kind of assistance to offer households and businesses.

– When the new government comes in, there will be another support package, added Johnson.