King Charles Says UK to Pursue Energy Independence With Renewables, Nuclear Bills
The UK government will introduce legislation to expand renewable and nuclear energy generation as part of efforts to strengthen the country's long-term energy security, according to remarks King Charles III delivered to parliament on Wednesday.Addressing both houses of parliament, the king said ministers believed "energy independence must be a long-term goal of national security" as an "increasingly dangerous and volatile world" tests the UK's energy, defense and economic security.The speech said recent events in the Middle East had demonstrated the need for "long-term investment and reform" in the energy sector.The government will introduce an Energy Independence Bill to "scale-up homegrown renewable energy and protect living standards for the long-term," according to the address."Increased production of clean British energy will help to ensure that enemies of the United Kingdom cannot attack the economic security of the British people," the king said.Ministers will also introduce a Nuclear Regulation Bill to implement recommendations from the Nuclear Regulatory Review and encourage "a new era of British nuclear energy generation."The address also said the government would seek to reinforce the United Kingdom's "long-term energy, defence and economic security" while maintaining support for Ukraine and continuing its commitment to NATO.