Plans for four giant nuclear reactors to be built in England by the French are almost certain to be scrapped because opposition among trade unions in France has hardened since last week’s vote…EDF   “final investment decision” is due in September to build 2 x 1,650 MW nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point in southwest England…expected  followed by 2 more to the east of London. ..Until Brexit vote, UK government was committed to building 10 new nuclear power stations as part of its “low carbon” plan for the energy sector. The programme always seemed improbable, given state of nuclear industry worldwide, but getting private investors to support such policy now look even less likely…One of unlooked-for side-effects  is to take UK outside Euratom Treaty that safeguards nuclear materials from misuse. Since UK has largest stock of plutonium in the world, and large trade in nuclear materials with Europe, US and Japan, this creates serious problems over who now regulates the industry.. ..Meanwhile, Heathrow runway decision might benefit from being freed from EU air pollution rules aimed at preventing air quality continuing to breach World Health Organisation safety limits as it expands.

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