The British government is increasingly concerned about the future security of UK energy supplies, because of the changing climate. The UK is on a course to decommission coal and nuclear plants by around 2020. But these plants generate over 30 per cent of today’s energy supply in the UK . Blair said that a part of that will be replaced by renewable energy, but not all of it.

Although Blair realises nuclear power is a controversial topic, he called for an open debate. He referred to the anti-nuclear protest that had delayed the start of his own speech that day.

The UK has set goals in the Energy White Paper of 2003. Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks is asked to lead a review of UK energy policy and to bring forward new policy proposals next year.