The FTSE 100 Index planted itself firmly above the 4000 barrier today despite losing some ground in afternoon trading.

British Energy’s financial crisis highlights the problems facing the electricity industry – and raises question marks over the future of nuclear power in the UK.

The Footsie index of 100 leading stocks is down 51.6 points by mid-morning at 4984.4, although this marks something of a rebound from an earlier 133-point slump.