Developing tonight: Prime Minister [Name] has pledged to oversee the construction of ten new small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), declaring the move essential to 'rebuild the grid' and secure Britain's energy independence. The announcement, made in a late evening address from Downing Street, marks a decisive shift in government energy policy, placing nuclear power at the heart of the nation's net-zero ambitions.

Sources close to the Prime Minister indicate that the reactors, each with a capacity of around 300 megawatts, will be sited at existing nuclear facilities and potentially new locations in the North East and South West. The first is expected to be operational by the early 2030s, with the full programme completed by 2035. The total cost, estimated at £30 billion, will be partly financed through a new 'Nuclear Leverage Fund,' drawing on both public and private investment.

'This is not just about keeping the lights on,' the Prime Minister said. 'It is about taking back control of our energy destiny. For too long we have been vulnerable to global gas prices and authoritarian regimes. These reactors will provide clean, reliable, British power for decades to come.'

Leaked documents seen by The British Wire reveal that the government has already entered preliminary discussions with Rolls-Royce, which has developed a competing SMR design, and US-based NuScale Power. The Prime Minister is understood to favour a 'British first' approach, but has not ruled out foreign partnerships if they offer cost or time advantages.

The move comes amid soaring wholesale electricity prices, which have pushed household bills to record levels. Critics, however, warned that the reactors will not come online quickly enough to ease the current crisis. 'This is a long-term solution to a short-term problem,' said Dr. Amelia Greene, energy analyst at the Institute for Fiscal Studies. 'Consumers need relief now, not in a decade.'

Environmental groups reacted with caution. Greenpeace UK called the announcement 'a risky gamble on unproven technology' and demanded more investment in renewables and energy efficiency. But the Prime Minister insisted that nuclear is 'the only proven low-carbon baseload power' and that SMRs offer lower capital costs and faster construction than traditional large reactors.

The opposition Labour Party accused the government of 'dithering for years' while nuclear capacity declined. 'This is a desperate attempt to play catch-up,' said Shadow Energy Secretary [Shadow Minister]. 'We need a comprehensive plan that includes onshore wind and solar, not just a nuclear charm offensive.'

Business groups welcomed the clarity. The Confederation of British Industry said the programme would 'send a strong signal to investors' and support thousands of skilled jobs. 'Modular construction in factories, rather than on site, could revolutionise the way we build power plants,' a CBI spokesperson said.

However, questions remain about the regulatory framework, waste disposal, and the exact cost to consumers. The government is expected to publish a detailed white paper within weeks. The Prime Minister's commitment will be tested by a disgruntled backbench, some of whom are sceptical of further state intervention in energy markets.

Tonight's announcement represents the most significant expansion of civil nuclear power in a generation. The question is whether the political will can sustain the long, expensive journey to construction. As one senior Whitehall source put it: 'This is a marathon, not a sprint. But for the first time in years, we have a clear finish line.'