Launched today, the party’s manifesto for the 4 July general election said it would halt work on all plants “including those with recent permit approvals, revoking those where substantial construction has not taken place”. The move raised legal concerns, with the opposition accusing Steve Barclay of attempting to ‘prop up’ local votes ahead of the local elections. Public bodies including local authorities and NHS trusts – and companies with government contracts – would have to focus procurement on small and medium local firms where possible.