THE go-ahead for the Hinkley Point nuclear power station should pave the way for future large-scale infrastructure projects across the UK, according to Unite’s general secretary Len McCluskey.

The leader of the country’s largest union visited the Somerset site on Thursday, following the government’s go-ahead for the French energy giant EDF to build the £18 billion project.

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said: “Hinkley Point represents the large-scale type of infrastructure project that Britain should be developing in the next decade, especially following the Brexit referendum vote.

“To see the scale of this operation first-hand and to meet this top-class workforce who fought so hard to deliver this project for the country has been an honour - and this shows once again what unions and business can achieve when they work together.

"But this project is also a reminder of the sort of economy that this country needs to take us forward in these uncertain times.

"Hinkley Point’s construction will generate thousands of jobs in the south west, including much needed apprenticeships, and will make a vital contribution to meeting the energy needs of the country.

“We need to see more of this approach right across the country, delivered by a vibrant industrial strategy to renew our nation.

"Workers have heard a lot of warm words, but let's see some action on investment in next week’s autumn statement.

“Chancellor Philip Hammond really needs to show that this government has a plan for the UK’s future economic growth and prosperity and it has to be one in which working people can prosper.

“Unite is pressing the UK government, EDF and the sub-contractors very hard to make maximum use of British-made materials, such as steel, so that the benefits flow into the wider UK economy.”