7. Will the First Minister outline the Welsh Government's policy on nuclear power? OAQ52226

The development of nuclear policy lies with the UK Government. We support new nuclear on existing sites to maximise the legacy benefits of any planned investment. So, it means not just supporting a power station in the right place but the growth of a supply chain and the development of skills and research, whilst protecting our cultural heritage and environment. 

Thank you for that answer. First Minister, I understand that the UK Government is currently talking to Hitachi about the funding package for Wylfa Newydd, and that the outcomes are currently hanging in the balance. You will know that the people of north Wales are waiting patiently for the jobs in construction at the power station and in the supply chain that will be generated by this scheme. What words of comfort can you offer them? 

It's a matter for the UK Government rather than for us, but there are two points I think it's important to make. First of all, the UK Government seems insistent that we need to leave Euratom. I've absolutely no idea why we would leave Euratom—I can't remember anybody saying that to me on the doorstep in 2016—and put in place what seem to be identical regulations for no purpose at all. I don't think that helps, I have to say, in terms of the level of uncertainty that might create. 

But secondly, I think it's hugely important that there's an understanding in Whitehall that we do have to pay to contribute towards the building of power stations; we can't expect other people to build them for us all the time. There were issues around Hinkley, and we still have nothing on the tidal lagoon, one of the most innovative schemes probably in the world at the moment. Let's see if the UK Government can be innovative and enterprising in the future, but it is hugely important that the financial issues are resolved so that there is a power station and, importantly, there are jobs on Anglesey. 

First Minister, radioactive waste management is a devolved issue, and we currently have no high-level waste disposal site in Wales. Now, a consultation was launched in January to see if anywhere in Wales would volunteer to be the home of a nuclear waste disposal site. Have you had any responses and can you report any progress to the Chamber? 

Not that I'm aware of. I remember doing this when I was environment Minister. It is something that we investigate from time to time. Of course, the reprocessing facilities in Sellafield are available to Wylfa. They're hugely important for the nuclear industry in the UK. But no, no community, as far as I'm aware, has volunteered.