Local and national politicians have been reacting to the confirmation of a new small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) at Wylfa.

The UK Government's announcement was welcomed by Anglesey Council, which has remained supportive of a new nuclear development at the site.

Council leader Gary Pritchard said: "This is an important step forward for new nuclear build on Ynys Môn. If, as we hope, these plans come to fruition – it will mean economic certainty and prosperity for decades to come."

"Despite past disappointments, we remain committed to hosting a new nuclear on the condition that it delivers long term transformational benefits - in terms of local jobs, supply chain opportunities, and prosperity for our communities and residents."

"Respecting the Island's communities, safeguarding the Welsh language and culture and a commitment to meaningful public engagement also, of course, remain important red lines."

"I welcome today's announcement in the knowledge that the hard work of getting the best possible deal for our Island and its residents starts now."

The council's chief execuive said it would look towards its previous experience of working on the aborted Wylfa Newydd project, which was scrapped five years ago following the withdrawal of Hitachi.

Dylan J. Williams said: "This announcement provides the foundation to create a better future for our young people. We will look to use our previous experience of working on a nuclear project and understanding of the Island and its communities' needs to inform and influence the project."

"We will also continue to collaborate to ensure that this new Wylfa project is developed and delivered in a way that works for Anglesey."

"A new nuclear development at Wylfa has the potential to transform the economy of Ynys Môn, particularly the north of the Island, and North Wales. It would create substantial jobs and supply chain opportunities."

Bur Mr Williams said they were also aware of the potential impact on residents and communities living close to the site.

"The county council is fully committed to ensuring the project maximises local benefits, whilst reducing and mitigating negative impacts. The voices, needs and concerns of north Anglesey residents must be taken fully into account as the new Wylfa project moves ahead."

Plaid Cymru politicians on Anglesey have also welcomed the announcement - with the party calling for "firm commitments" to ensure local communities benefit in the long term from investment.

Ynys Môn MP, Llinos Medi, said: "The confirmation that Wylfa has been chosen to host the UK's first small modular reactor is a significant step for Ynys Môn and for north Wales."

"After years of uncertainty, this announcement could finally unlock Wylfa's potential and bring the long-term, high-quality jobs and investment our communities deserve."

"Since being elected MP for Ynys Môn, and previously as leader of the council, I have worked with local businesses, local experts, and the local authority to make the case for Wylfa – meeting with UK Government ministers, Great British Energy-Nuclear, and industry leaders to highlight the site's unique strengths and the depth of local support. This progress is the result of years of partnership across Ynys Môn."

"But we've been here before, with major announcements that did not lead to spades in the ground. So, while today's news is welcome, the people of Ynys Môn will understandably treat it with caution until we see firm timelines and local commitments delivered."

"Wylfa can be a game-changer for Ynys Môn, strengthening our energy security and creating a foundation for a cleaner, fairer future – but only if local people see real and lasting benefits."

"My focus now is on making sure this project is done with our communities, not to them – creating opportunities for young people and supporting local supply chains."

"I will continue to hold the UK Government to its promises and work to ensure this development truly serves the island and its people."

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, who is also the MS for Ynys Môn, added: "Today's announcement is significant for people on Ynys Môn and across Wales. It reflects years of hard work by both the Plaid Cymru-led Anglesey County Council and Llinos Medi – both as the current MP and former council leader."

"Since I was elected over twelve years ago, the future of the Wylfa site has remained a live issue on Ynys Môn."

"Whilst we've learnt from past experience that we need assurances now that this plan will actually be delivered, there's no doubt that there's a real opportunity here that we have to take advantage of."

"My priority from this point is to ensure that the voices and interests of communities on Ynys Môn are represented at every step. "

"I've always taken the view that we must make the most of the economic growth and job opportunities for young people that come with a new development at Wylfa, whilst also putting measures in place to mitigate the challenges that a project of this scale and nature inevitably brings."

"The Welsh Government also has a crucial role to play in these discussions. I want to make sure that Welsh Government has real input, with Welsh interests placed at the heart of the development."

Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer and First Minister, Eluned Morgan will visit Llangefni on Thursday to formally announce the Wylfa SMR as well as plans to create an AI growth zone for North Wales.

The First Minister said both developments were major statements about the future of the region's economy and evidence of the Welsh and UK Labour governments "working closely to deliver investment with generational impacts".

Eluned Morgan said: "This is a massive announcement for North Wales, which will create thousands of high quality jobs and have wide ranging benefits for the local economy."

"Since I became First Minister, I have been pressing the case at every opportunity for Wylfa's incredible benefits as a site for new nuclear to be realised."

She added: "In all my discussions with the Prime Minister, the Chancellor and other UK ministers, I have had clear and deliverable asks for Wales. Today, two of my top priorities are being delivered together – a double win for Wales."

Economy Secretary Rebecca Evans, who is also expected in Llangefni on Thursday, said: "The investment in Wylfa is a huge boost for the North Wales economy. It will create thousands of highly skilled, well-paid jobs both on-site and in the wider economy."

"At its peak there will be 3,050 people working on site to deploy and commission the three small modular reactors. Each of those reactors will generate 470MW of low carbon energy – enough to power a million homes for 60 years."

The Welsh Conservatives said the announcement was "a major step forward for nuclear energy on Anglesey" and "a transformational opportunity for the local economy and Wales' long term energy security".

But the party claimed that the progress was rooted in work by the former Tory government at Westminster and warned Labour and Plaid Cymru not to "rewrite the record".

Janet Finch-Saunders, shadow environment secretary, said: "Whilst I welcome this fantastic opportunity for Anglesey, one that will see nuclear energy returning to Wales, it is important to remember that this is thanks to the tireless efforts of Virginia Crosbie and the previous UK Conservative government."

"Nuclear power creates well-paid, high-skilled jobs and delivers cheaper, cleaner and more secure energy for our communities."

“Labour will try to take credit for Conservative achievements, and Plaid Cymru have still been unable to offer a coherent position on this vital issue. Only the Conservative party will prioritise energy security and reducing household energy bills.”

A spokesperson for Reform UK in Wales said: "This announcement is long overdue and, if the political will had been there, we could have been well on our way to generating nuclear power from Wylfa by now."

"With energy costs soaring and unemployment rising in Wales, we should be taking a lead on nuclear power, not dawdling as we have done now for many years."

"Sadly, lukewarm support from Plaid Cymru for nuclear has also played a role in slowing this down, even though it has the potential to bring huge economic benefits to the area and the whole of Wales."