Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP from Fylde is concerned about the strategic importance of maintaining a domestic nuclear fuel production capability in the UK, citing international competition and national security implications.
Whether one agrees with the Government’s net zero targets or not, they will not be able to achieve them without nuclear energy playing a significant role. A key part of the nuclear fuel strategy is the nuclear fuel industry in this country. Given the aggressive actions of Russia and other countries pushing western commercial providers out of the market for nuclear fuel enrichment and manufacturing, it is increasingly important for national security that we develop whole-of-lifecycle nuclear fuel production domestically. When will the Government announce concrete steps to improve the entire lifecycle of nuclear power manufacturing?
The hon. Gentleman makes a good point. The Prime Minister, the Secretary of State and, indeed, the Minister for nuclear in the other place have visited the constituency and seen the work being done there; nearly £20 million from Government grants has been invested into that work to help develop nuclear fuels which will be part of the future. Large-scale nuclear developments such as Sizewell and Hinkley, SMRs and advanced modular reactors all need to be considered and he is absolutely right to make this point.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not specify when concrete steps would be announced for improving the whole-of-lifecycle manufacturing of nuclear power but referenced existing developments and funding.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP from Lancaster and Wyre references the extension of Heysham nuclear power plants, expressing constituent desire for long-term jobs in the industry. The previous Labour government built no new nuclear power plants.
Many constituents were pleased to see the extension of Heysham 1 and 2 late last year. They would like long-term jobs for the future in the nuclear industry created in the north-west. Does the Minister agree that it is thanks to this Labour Government that we are ending the last government’s legacy of no new nuclear being built?
I completely agree. The Conservative party built no new nuclear in 14 years. Small modular reactors will bring energy efficiency and economic growth to many parts of this country. We are working at pace and will make sure that we have the answer on SMRs shortly. We will have the answer on Sizewell in the spending review, and of course nuclear will play a big role in the future.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not specifically address long-term job creation for constituents but discussed broader plans for SMRs and Sizewell C.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP from Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket raises concerns about regulatory delays for small modular reactors, citing a two-year delay imposed by the requirement to apply for regulatory justification.
Current rules require that any reactor must apply for regulatory justification as if nuclear power was an entirely new practice instead of an existing one. This delays reactors getting online and lowering energy bills for people across the country by up to two years. Will the Secretary of State consider working with his Cabinet colleagues to simplify the system and recognise that nuclear energy technology is an existing practice, thereby accelerating the deployment of small modular reactors?
I will happily investigate further the issue that my hon. Friend has raised. There are two pieces of work going on in this space: the draft nuclear planning policy statement and the nuclear regulatory taskforce. We want to make things as easy as we can, and I am very happy to talk to him further.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to a specific simplification of regulations but indicated willingness to investigate further.
Response accuracy