Must Sizewell C justify itself in pounds, shillings and pence?

Must every project justify itself in pounds, shillings and pence? Sizewell C critics are missing the point, writes Charlotte Nichols  In the depths of the Second World War, John Maynard Keynes took to the airwaves to talk about the importance of rebuilding when peace was achieved. It was 1942 and – despite the crippling impact on public finances – he railed against the “vile doctrine” that every project must justify itself in “pounds, shillings and pence”. Fast forward to today and – in the realm of energy policy – his point remains. This week parts of Westminster have been scrutinising our nuclear ambitions, and they have failed to see the bigger picture. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) produced a report on the finances that underpin Sizewell C. However, the report – published on the morning of the Budget – misses a key point: reality. It is comparing Sizewell C to a counterfactual deal which was never on the table. And one which would have scared away investors and resu