FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Report of Foreign Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
September 22 2004
BRITISH ENERGY PLC
(Registrant's name)
3 Redwood Crescent
Peel Park
East Kilbride G74 5PR
Scotland
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F..X.. Form 40-F.....
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes ..... No ..X..
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant
in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):
Exhibit Index
The following document (bearing the exhibit number listed below) is furnished
herewith and is made a part of this Report pursuant to the General Instructions
for Form 6-K:
Exhibit Description
No. 1 RNS Announcement, re: State Aid approval dated 22 September 2004
British Energy plc
STATE AID TO BRITISH ENERGY APPROVED BY THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
British Energy welcomes the decision by the European Commission to approve the
Government's state aid to the Company in connection with its restructuring,
subject to compensatory measures.
Adrian Montague, Chairman of British Energy said:
"The approval by the European Commission is a major step forward in the Group's
financial restructuring."
"The compensatory measures are stringent but workable, and the decision allows
us to continue with our core objective of rebuilding the Company, operationally
and financially. Our focus remains on improving the performance and reliability
of our nuclear power stations and improving our energy trading and risk
management capability."
"I would like to place on record my thanks to Ministers and Officials at the
Department of Trade & Industry, for their enormous efforts in liasing with the
European Commission and for their valuable support."
"Our priority is to ensure that we complete the remaining hurdles to
successfully deliver the Restructuring. We have taken a major step forward but
many significant uncertainties still remain."
The Company agreed to implement the proposed restructuring in October 2003 and
although a number of important conditions and significant uncertainties remain,
the Company will continue its efforts to implement the proposed restructuring in
accordance with these agreements. Furthermore if for any reason the proposed
restructuring cannot be implemented the Board may need to commence insolvency
proceedings. If insolvency proceedings are commenced, distributions (if any) to
unsecured creditors may represent only a small fraction of their unsecured
claims and it is highly unlikely there would be any return for shareholders.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
John Searles 01355 262 202 Investor Relations
Andrew Dowler 020 7831 3113 Media enquiries
www.british-energy.com
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: September 22 2004 BRITISH ENERGY PLC
By:____John Searles____
Name: John Searles
Title: Director - Investor Relations