WE are facing an unprecedented energy crisis.

A total lack of investment in nuclear energy and plans to phase out our remaining coal-fired power stations by 2025 are serious contributors.

The latter is needed to meet carbon reduction targets, which must surely be reviewed. Certainly, renewables like wind and solar power will partially compensate, but they won’t be enough to keep the lights on.

There are a number of new technologies in the pipeline, not least harnessing tidal power.

But only nuclear is proven, which is why the proposed reactor at Hinckley point in Somerset appeared to be the solution.

A joint project between France and China, it would provide 7 percent of the nation’s power.

However, the cost is astronomical.

Estimated at £21 billion, the reactor uses a problematic new design which has not yet been successfully built anywhere in the world.

The two currently under construction are years late and over budget.

Worse, under the agreement, Britain would pay a colossal subsidy of 92.5 per kilowatt hour- twice what we pay now- for 35 years, saddling the future generations with debt.

Lord Howell, energy minister under Margaret Thatcher, says it’s “one of the worst deals ever” for British consumers and industry.

In addition, entrusting such critical infrastructure to foreign countries is questionable at best.

Citing concerns from security services, the new Prime Minister’s advisers have warned against possible Chinese Cyber sabotage.

What if they could shut the plant down at will?

Mrs May now wants the project reviewed, a sensible decision when so much is at stake.

Inevitably, there has been a storm of protest from China and France.

This does all beg the question, why did we sell off our nuclear industry in the first place?

An island nation must always think strategically.

RICHARD DRAX