The government nuclear clean-up agency has been sold for £50m to the support services firm Babcock International.

The sale of the UK Atomic Energy Authority's (UKAEA) commercial arm is a "win, win, win result" said business secretary Lord Mandelson.

UKAEA Limited employs around 230 people and oversees nuclear clean-up work, offering consultancy services in international markets.

Lord Mandelson said the sale "gives UKAEA a strong partner, generates good value for the taxpayer and allows the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to enjoy a broader array of nuclear decommissioning expertise."

The Conservatives have criticised the timing of the sale, which was completed on Saturday, because they fear it was done to satisfy a short-term need for funds.

Treasury minister Liam Byrne said such asset sales are "an important part of our plans to bring down debt".