UK NUCLEAR POWER PLANT TO GO AHEAD WITH FRENCH, CHINESE BACKING

((EDITORS' NOTE: AUDIO HOLDS AFTER DECISION ANNOUNCED))

Final approval is expected later for a new nuclear plant in the UK, financed by French and Chinese investment.

Hinkley Point in Somerset will cost $24bn and be Britain's first new nuclear plant in 20 years.

The project will go ahead despite financial concerns for the main backer - French energy firm EDF.

One third of the funding also comes from Chinese investors.

Energy expert Malcolm Grimston from Imperial College London says it's much needed.

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