A Kent MP has told the government nuclear power must stay in the county and help overcome the ongoing energy crisis.

During a debate in Westminster, Damian Collins, who represents Folkestone and Hythe, told ministers the need for a new reactor at Dungeness is vital.

It comes after Dungeness B power station was moved into the defuelling phase in 2021 following a series of technical challenges.

This was seven years ahead of schedule, as the nuclear power point had been expected to be online until 2028.

Neighbouring Dungeness A was decommissioned in 2006.

Now, Mr Collins has put on record the case for Dungeness to be an approved site for future nuclear energy generation during a debate he hosted at Westminster Hall.

It follows the government's search for new sites for small modular reactors (SMRs) and its investment of £210 million to develop the Rolls-Royce SMR.

Mr Collins' future hopes for Dungeness are echoed by the leaders of Kent County Council (KCC) and Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC), who have previously met with Rolls Royce to discuss their new technology.

In a joint statement - endorsed by Mr Collins - the leaders of KCC and FHDC say they want to "secure a nuclear future for Dungeness" .

The statement added: "The development of SMRs is a game-changer in power generation.

"We have the space, the grid connections, easy access to water, the flood defences and the local workforce to be in the vanguard of this new generation of nuclear power, creating and retaining skilled jobs locally and powering our Kent economy.

"We will work with the government to ensure Dungeness is included in the new list of national nuclear sites following planned consultation.

"To address the climate and energy crises, the vast majority of the UK’s future energy requirements will need to come from nuclear generated and renewable electricity – new modular technology fits well with this aim.

"It is cheaper and faster to build than traditional nuclear power stations and can be hosted on smaller sites. But to achieve this, we need a streamlined national programme and more site opportunities – especially where there is local support.

"Dungeness has been a nuclear site for sixty years. There is no reason why it can’t continue to be one and every reason that it should, given the national need.

"It is the ideal place to pilot the SMR concept quickly and should be placed on the approved site list with immediate effect."

Mr Collins added: “I have long campaigned for a new generation of nuclear power for Romney Marsh, and the arrival of technologies, like small modular nuclear reactors, can help make this a reality.

"I was pleased that the energy minister has agreed to meet with me, as well as Kent County Council and Folkestone and Hythe District Council, to discuss the importance of Dungeness, as the government reviews its site list for new nuclear facilities."

SMRs are a type of nuclear fission reactor used for generating power. They are smaller than conventional nuclear reactors.