EDF Energy is shutting down four of its nuclear power reactors as a precautionary measure after a defect was found in one of them.

The auction of nuclear power firm British Energy suffered a blow today after it emerged one of the potential suitors had pulled out of the running.

French industrial group Suez confirmed today it was no longer involved in talks over a possible bid for UK nuclear power provider British Energy.

Nuclear power station operator British Energy was today said to be weighing up an £11bn (€13.7bn) takeover approach from German utility business RWE.

ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners last night criticised security at a British nuclear power station after protesters broke into the site.