Major injection of capital shows appetite for UK energy As the Prime Minister said on Tuesday, "this is a decades-long, multi-billion pound vote of confidence in the UK." This is evidence that our nuclear resurgence is alive and well. The UK has the potential to be a springboard for new nuclear development around the world. And this presents massive opportunities for firms in the UK, not just to supply the domestic market, but to export goods and services, too. I am a very strong advocate of nuclear power - I would say I am the most pro-nuclear Energy Minister that this country has seen for decades. Since the withdrawal of E.ON and RWE from the Horizon venture, Ministers and officials have worked to persuade international investors that new nuclear is an exciting prospect and Britain is very much open for business. The news that Hitachi is entering the UK market is highly encouraging, particularly given their commitment to source about 60pc of the value of the first plant from within these shores. And that's backed up by memoranda of understanding with Rolls-Royce and Babcock International. It also reignites competition in new nuclear in the UK - kicking into touch any suggestion that there is only one show in town. It is precisely because we want to get the benefits from nuclear investment that Government and business are forming the Nuclear Industry Council. This will take a strategic lead in driving the deployment of new nuclear and making sure the UK supply chain is equipped to maximise the economic benefits at home and abroad. As we approach publication of the Government's landmark Energy Bill, this major injection of capital into our power sector is a clear sign that there is appetite for investment. I am in no doubt that with our reforms and commitment to new nuclear, Hitachi's investment will be the first of many. John Hayes is MP for South Holland and The Deepings and minister of state for energy