In what apparently was the most pro-nuclear speech by a Cabinet minister in the recent times, Energy Secretary Chris Huhne told the Royal Society in London that the technology linked with nuclear-generated electricity was crucial for ensuring that Britain could keep the lights on while dealing with climate change!

The recent statement by Huhne marks his dramatic personal volte-face on the issue, given the fact that he had widely campaigned against nuclear power before assuming office.

Huhne's statement in favour of nuclear power has come in spite of the widespread opposition from his Liberal Democrat counterparts; and he has confirmed that plans were in place to press ahead with eight new nuclear power stations --- a move that is essential in the wake of the fact that all of the UK's existing reactors, except one, will be decommissioned by 2023.

In his keynote address, Huhne said that it was time that the nuclear industry and the Government keep hold of public support for a revival in nuclear power, by proving that they have learned from their mistakes in the past.

Emphasizing that nuclear energy can be "a vital and affordable means of providing low-carbon electricity, and adding that time was running out, Huhne said: "Nuclear energy has risks, but we face the greater risk of accelerating climate change if we do not embark on another generation of nuclear power."