TAUNTON Deane MP Rebecca Pow has voiced her support for Hinkley, but says it is right for the Government to take time to make sure the deal is suitable.

"The UK needs a reliable and secure energy supply, and nuclear needs to be an important part of the mix," Ms Pow said.

"While the progression of this project is vitally important to the local area in terms of jobs and business contracts it is crucial that the Government ensure they are confident that the Hinkley C deal delivers in terms of securing a proportion of our energy supply, at the appropriate price and with the right technology and partners.

"So it is right that they take the necessary time to consider all the component parts of the deal," she said.

Ms Pow has been in conversation with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and says she has been assured by the Secretary of State that a decision will be made in early autumn.

"I will be pressing for a positive outcome given not only the much needed contribution of seven per cent of our national energy supply this new power station will provide from a low carbon source but also because of the huge contribution it will make to our local economy. The deal however must be right," Ms Pow said.