Challenged on his decision to consider the nuclear option at weekly prime minister's questions in parliament, he said it would help resolve concerns about energy supply, rising fuel costs and global warming.

"Energy prices are rising the entire time which is why the whole issue to do with nuclear energy is back on the agenda not just of this country but many other countries round the world," Blair told MPs.

He said 50 to 60 nuclear power stations were being built around the world this year including one in Europe.

"When we look at our own self-sufficiency in energy we're about 80-90 percent sufficient in oil and gas - over the next 15-20 years that's going to reverse. We'll have to import it," the prime minister said.

"I am not saying only nuclear is the answer - of course it's not, there are renewables, there is energy efficiency, there is everything else - but I still think that that has got to be at least part of the debate and argument if we are to make sure that our energy needs are properly and cleanly met."

Environmentalists oppose the development of new nuclear power stations to replace old ones. They argue that Britain can meet its future energy needs and cut polluting emissions without such a move, especially since no conclusive solution has been found to deal with the problem of radioactive waste.

Britain, which is undertaking a major energy policy review, has about a dozen nuclear power stations, most of them built in the 1960s and 1970s.

Turning to climate change, which featured prominently at a summit of the Group of Eight (G8) world powers last July hosted by Britain, Blair warned that the process of global warming may be happening faster than anticipated.

"My greatest worry is that there is a mismatch between the timing of the international community to get the right agreements in place and the absolute necessity of taking urgent action now," he added.

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