Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Clean Energy Transition: New Nuclear Power

Tuesday 18 November 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Advanced ceramics and ceramic matrix composites are critical components in nuclear fission reactors, produced by North Staffordshire companies.
  • Mr Gregory Campbell inquired about the potential for reduced electricity costs across the UK due to the construction of mini nuclear reactors.
  • The response highlighted the need for a clean power system, including stable baseload from nuclear energy, to reduce energy bills.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Allison Gardner Lab Stoke-on-Trent South
Science & Technology Energy
Context

North Staffordshire is a major hub for advanced ceramics manufacturing, which plays a crucial role in the production of nuclear infrastructure.

Question

Advanced ceramics and ceramic matrix composites are critical components used in nuclear fission reactors. They include pellets, ceramic coatings on small modular reactors, and materials needed for fuel particle coating, moderators, reflectors, and control rods. North Staffordshire companies excel in this field. The MP asked the Minister to ensure that local businesses receive investment as part of the new nuclear power scheme to secure supply chain resilience.

Answer from The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)

My hon. Friend is a great advocate of her community and its potential businesses in contributing to the nuclear sector. We have made it clear that we want UK supply chains, including those in Stoke-on-Trent South, to benefit from these projects and deliver their world-leading expertise across all our civil nuclear initiatives. To achieve this, we will continue engaging with industry nationwide and addressing any barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises who may not know how to enter the supply chain, ensuring they are well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities created by this new era of nuclear power in the UK.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry
Energy
Context

The Minister had previously outlined the Government's commitment to nuclear power, including small modular reactors.

Question

In light of the Minister’s dedication and urgency towards advancing nuclear energy through SMRs, the MP asked for confirmation that everyone across the UK would benefit from reduced electricity costs due to the construction of mini nuclear reactors.

Answer from The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)

We understand that reducing energy bills requires a clean power system, including stable baseload provided by nuclear. Interconnectors connect Northern Ireland to this network, although energy decisions are devolved there. We aim to minimise project costs while securing economic benefits. Once operational, these projects will deliver secure, clean UK-made power for generations, addressing the volatility of fossil fuels driving up bills.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific cost reduction commitment requested was not directly addressed with a concrete figure or timeline.

How: Under Review, Working On

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email