Nuclear plant project a step closer as Osborne makes £2bn guarantee

Controversial Hinkley Point plans, which requires Chinese investment, receive boost from chancellor on China trip

George Osborne has underlined his determination to get the government's nuclear energy programme moving by providing a 2bn government guarantee for the delayed Hinkley Point power plant project.

The initial backing from the government would pave the way for the construction of Britain's first new nuclear power station for a generation, Osborne said, as he redoubled his arguments for nuclear in the face of opposition from environmental groups.