Sir Keir Starmer visits Suffolk New College, in Rope Walk, Ipswich, and outlines commitment to Sizewell C

The Prime Minister visited a town college and spoke of the Government’s commitment to Sizewell C and its surrounding communities.

At Suffolk New College, in Rope Walk, Ipswich, today, Sir Keir Starmer reasserted Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement to invest at least £14.2 billion in the power station, which will be based near Leiston.

He also took questions from students which included how his Government plans to make sure rural students have access to education and opportunities.

At the end of May, Sizewell C unveiled plans to build a new college in Leiston which aims to boost higher education in the area in partnership with Suffolk New.

Alan Pease, principal and CEO of the college, was delighted with the visit. He said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Sir Keir to Suffolk New College. He toured various departments and showed a genuine interest in what our staff, students and stakeholders had to say.

“The fact he chose to come and see us to make such a major announcement that supports the future of our country was a great honour.”

Before Sir Keir addressed the audience, two students, Maliki Mullett and Leo Banfield, introduced him

Maliki, 18, of Ipswich, is on a T-level engineering course and described his meeting with the PM as ‘breathtaking’.

Several students got to have a personal chat with the PM, including Caitlin Fenn, 18, from Ipswich, who is on a level three electrical installation qualification.

Caitlin said: “It was great, such an experience. He is very down to earth. We talked about what I want to do. It was amazing.”

Mr Starmer also met the student council and praised the college for the ‘huge range of work’ it is involved in, including as a vital link to Sizewell C.