Energy firm EDF has said its UK operations have made a loss for the sixth year running as the UK and France continue to bicker over who should pay for the rising costs of the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant.

The firm, which is wholly owned by the French government, is a major supplier of energy infrastructure domestically and is at the forefront of the UK’s plans to ramp up nuclear power. It owns major stakes in upcoming nuclear plants Hinkley Point C (66%) and Sizewell C (50%).

But it admitted that it spent £3.6bn on its UK operations last year while only earning £3.4bn before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA). It made losses in the five previous years too.

Despite the loss, it said its earnings grew from 2022 due to improved sales to medium and large businesses, strong results from the nuclear generation business and changes to the Ofgem energy cap.

The company posted a positive performance overall, with a net profit of €10bn (£8.5bn), and cut some of its massive debts...