UK decision shows cracks in govt, or does it?

When new British Prime Minister Theresa May's government surprised everyone by announcing it was reviewing Chinese-backed plans to build a French-designed nuclear power plant in western England, many assumed it was over fears of too much Chinese involvement in the sensitive area of nuclear energy.

The champagne had been laid on, the dignitaries invited and following last Thursday's decision by France's EDF conglomerate to go ahead with its share of funding the 18 million ($23.9 million) Hinkley Point C project was all set for a quick signing ceremony. All set, that is, until a few hours after an oft-delayed EDF board decision was taken, when British Energy Secretary Greg Clark announced Britain was reviewing the project and would make a final decision in September.

Many in the United Kingdom jumped to the immediate conclusion that fears over security were involved, and pointed to the malign influence of Nick Timothy, one of May's closest advisers who had previously publicly expressed fears that "the government is selling our national security to China" because of the involvement of China General Nuclear Power Group, which is funding a third of the cost.