France and Britain Unite on Nuclear Pact

French President Nicolas Sarkozy and UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown have agreed on a pact to cooperate on civil nuclear technology, part of the UK's push to increase nuclear power.

The pact will boost the chances of French companies to lead Britain's new nuclear age by developing projects where French and British nuclear regulators work more closely on nuclear safety, security, waste management and reactor licensing.

EDF Energy, the British arm of French power utility EDF, says it wants to build four new nuclear power plants in Britain.

UK Business Minister John Hutton announced yesterday Britain must "significantly expand" its nuclear power industry to ensure future energy supplies and to fight climate change.

The two leaders said the deal may be extended to include other European Union countries, writes Reuters.

By staff writer