The government has launched a review of Britain's energy needs, leading to fears among environmental campaigners that nuclear power could be back on the agenda.

The Cabinet Office's Performance and Innovation Unit will conduct the review which aims for "secure, diverse and reliable energy supplies" which are competitive and meet the challenge of global warming.

Environmental campaign groups warn against using global warming targets for reducing greenhouse gasses as a reason for building new nuclear power plants. A revival of nuclear power would break a 1997 Labour manifesto pledge.

British Energy said the business case had not been made for more nuclear plants.