plans to build a nuclear power station in the UK have been criticised by environmentalists.
Regional development agency One NorthEast has posted a tender application on its website asking people to bid to create a business plan for a new nuclear station.
The winning group could be paid as much as £50,000 for its work.
But Newcastle Central MP Jim Cousins demanded to know why the tender was put out without more public discussion.
He said: "I think I would like to know on what basis One NorthEast has put this on their website."
Anti-nuclear campaigner and volunteer worker, Michael Rabley, 41, of Heaton, Newcastle, said: "This is unacceptable and there would be a big reaction locally if they went ahead with this. The North-East is traditionally very anti-nuclear."
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