Senior chiefs from energy firm EDF have been recalled back before the Energy and Climate Change Committee to explain further delays to the Hinkley Point C project.

The firm's chief executive Vincent de Rivaz told the committee last month that a final investment decision on the £18 billion nuclear power station would be made "very soon".

He also added the French Minister of Economy suggested a decision would be made in "early May".

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However last week the French Government further delayed the decision, setting a new date for September.

Angus MacNeil MP Chair of the Committee, said: "When EDF appeared before us in March, company bosses were insisting that a decision would be made in May. At that hearing we said that we would call them back in if that timetable slipped again and that's what we are doing now.

"If Hinkley does not go ahead it could have huge implications for our future energy security and efforts to cut climate-changing emissions. We will therefore be watching progress on this closely. If we have to see EDF back here in September as well, we will."

The hearing is expected to take place in late May.

(LM/MH)