Green Party leader criticises nuclear reactor plan

Green Party leader Zack Polanski said money would be better spent on renewable energy

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has criticised government plans to build a new generation of nuclear reactors, calling it old technology that is like "creating a fax machine".

Centrica and US firm X-energy aim to create up to 2,500 jobs in Hartlepool by building 12 new advanced modular nuclear reactors.

Polanski said it was technology "from a long time ago" and that money would be better spent on wind and solar power, which could deliver thousands of jobs.

Labour MP for Hartlepool Jonathan Brash said the technology was being pioneered in the United States and that the companies were also working with schools and colleges to recruit a local workforce.

The nuclear site will be developed next to the town's existing nuclear power station, which is set to be decommissioned in 2028.

The government previously said that the deal could secure the next 50 years of clean, homegrown energy and that it "marks the dawn of a new golden age for British nuclear".

Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash said Polanski misunderstood nuclear power and the town

Brash said Hartlepool would "lead the world" in advanced modular technology.

He added that Polanski misunderstood nuclear power and Hartlepool.

"If the green party wanted to destroy 2,500 jobs in Hartlepool, they're welcome to advocate for it, but I'm right behind this," Brash told BBC Politics North.

The government estimates the site would generate enough power for up to 1.5m homes and unlock £12bn for the north-east of England.

BBC Politics North (North East and Cumbria) airs on BBC One at 10:00 GMT, or catch up on iPlayer.