There must be "continued progress" on all aspects of new nuclear build, the chief executive of EDF Energy has stated.

Vincent de Rivaz welcomed the government's announcement that four potential sites for the construction of new nuclear power plants have been named.

He said the nomination of the sites paves the way for the "significant investment" the country needs and "provides clarity" on the steps developers must follow.

But he stressed that site selection is just one part of the overall framework for the building of new nuclear power plants.

"It is important there is continued progress in the development of all aspects of the framework, also including reactor design assessment, planning and waste and decommissioning policy," he insisted.

EDF Energy is hoping to build four nuclear reactors in the UK and intends to nominate five sites, including Heysham in Lancashire and Hartlepool on Teesside, through the government's Strategic Siting Assessment process.

Last week, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority put forward Sellafield in Cumbria, Bradwell in Essex, Oldbury in Gloucestershire and Wylfa in Anglesey as suitable locations.