UK Energy Minister Brian Wilson Resigns

Brian Wilson, Energy Minister for the UK, announced late Thursday his decision to leave the government. He told Prime Minister Blair of his decision earlier in the week. "There are no political or exceptional personal circumstances involved," Mr. Wilson said. "After six years as a minister and five ministerial jobs, I am looking forward to a more normal life and different challenges."

Since Labour was elected, Mr. Wilson has been a minister for education and industry, Scotland Office minister, Foreign Office minister, minister of industry and energy, and minister for energy and construction. In his time as energy minister, he was a staunch defender of nuclear power, championing its importance in the battle to meet the government's Kyoto targets on greenhouse gas emissions. More recently, however, he has actively promoted the use of renewable energies, like Scottish windfarms.

Mr. Wilson's replacement has not yet been named.