Tom Greatrex MP, Labour’s Shadow Energy Minister, commenting on reports that Nuclear Management Partners will be stripped of the contract to decommission Sellafield, said:

“Just 15 months ago the Government extended this £2 billion a year contract for NMP – now they are desperately scrambling to reverse their decision. In 2013, Tory ministers ignored warnings over failing project delivery and escalating costs – and the consequences of that complacency are now coming back to them. After serious criticism from the National Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee, the sudden cancellation of this contract leaves Tory Ministers with serious questions about the decision making process and use of taxpayer’s money.

“It is vital that poorly executed contract renewal does not now lead to any compromising of safety or security at Sellafield. NMP are responsible for 10,000 staff and this highly trained work force will be vital to any long-term plans to decommission the site.

“Questions must be asked of Tory ministers, past and present, who oversaw the negotiation of NMP’s contract extension and appear to have spectacularly mishandled the procurement process for such a major government contract.”