Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Small Modular Nuclear Reactors: Jobs

Tuesday 10 February 2026 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The potential for small modular reactors to support up to 3,000 jobs at Wylfa and thousands more across the supply chain.
  • The SNP's opposition to new nuclear means no new nuclear developments in Scotland.
  • Discussions on small modular reactors' benefits for Northern Ireland are devolved but the potential is seen across the UK.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Irene Campbell Lab North Ayrshire and Arran
Employment Energy
Context

The MP is concerned about the potential for clean energy jobs in her constituency due to the construction of SMRs.

Question

What estimate has been made of the potential impact of constructing small modular reactors on the number of clean energy jobs?

Answer from Ed Miliband

There is huge potential for small modular reactors to support up to 3,000 jobs at Wylfa and thousands more across the supply chain. The Government aims to enable every part of the country to benefit.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific job creation estimate as requested

How: The Secretary Of State Provided General Statements About Potential Benefits But Did Not Give A Numerical Job Impact Estimate.

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Q2 Irene Campbell Lab North Ayrshire and Arran
Employment Scotland Energy
Context

MP referenced an article about Scottish workers relocating due to lack of new nuclear development in Scotland.

Question

An SMR and new nuclear at Hunterston would support 650 skilled jobs but relocation is happening due to opposition. Does the Secretary of State agree we are losing talent because SNP opposes nuclear?

Answer from Ed Miliband

The SNP's dogmatic opposition means new nuclear is not happening in Scotland. The answer to it is to vote Labour in May.

Not addressed: Avoided discussing the loss of talent and investment directly

How: Redirected To Voting Preference Rather Than Addressing Job Impact

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland Energy
Context

MP is interested in SMRs for Northern Ireland and the Secretary of State's discussions with local authorities.

Question

Can you please ask what discussion there has been with the Northern Ireland Assembly to ensure benefit from small modular reactor schemes?

Answer from Ed Miliband

Discussions are devolved but potential for SMRs is huge across UK. It can play an important role in energy mix and benefit all regions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on discussions with Northern Ireland Assembly

How: Provided General Support Without Specifics About Local Discussions

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Q4 Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Climate Scotland Business & Trade
Context

MP agrees with Secretary of State on SMR potential but criticizes SNP's ban.

Question

Can the Trade Unionists for Safe Nuclear Energy expect Department support for their petition to First Minister lifting nuclear development ban?

Answer from Ed Miliband

Only dogmatic reasons oppose new nuclear. Given climate change challenge, we need all tools including SMRs which provide jobs and security.

Not addressed: Avoided discussing Department's support for the petition directly

How: Emphasized Importance Of Nuclear But Did Not Confirm Support

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Q5 Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Scotland
Context

MP criticizes SNP's anti-nuclear stance as anti-science, anti-progress, anti-jobs.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that it is time for SNP Government to lift ban and move Scotland into 21st century?

Answer from Ed Miliband

The SNP's position makes no sense. The Conservative record had grand ambitions but no delivery, making those worthless.

Not addressed: Avoided addressing the specific question about lifting the ban

How: Discussed Previous Government'S Record Instead

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