Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Nuclear Energy Sites: Scotland 2026-07-07

Tuesday 7 July 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministers commissioned a study by Great British Energy Nuclear on Scotland's potential for new nuclear energy last autumn.
  • The Scottish Government's planning regulations pose challenges to exploring new nuclear possibilities in Scotland.
  • The Department is committed to reviving previous ambitions for an ambitious British nuclear future, including Hinkley and Sizewell C reactors.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Graham Leadbitter SNP
Scotland Energy
Context

Ministers commissioned a study on Scotland's potential for new nuclear energy last autumn. The question arises from discussions about the government's plans and their impact.

Question

Whether he held discussions with the Scottish Government and local authorities prior to announcing potential nuclear energy sites in Scotland. Did ministers discuss alternatives like geothermal energy, given that Scottish households pay among the highest electricity prices in the UK?

Answer from Michael Shanks

Ministers commissioned Great British Energy Nuclear's study of Scotland's potential for new nuclear last autumn. We remain open to discussions with the Scottish Government on opportunities for new nuclear in Scotland, and I welcome conversations with the new Scottish Energy Minister. The hon. Gentleman knows that every single day nuclear baseload is powering Scotland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address whether specific discussions were held before announcing potential sites or if alternatives like geothermal energy are being considered

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Q2 Graham Leadbitter SNP
Scotland Energy
Context

Two years ago, Labour promised to cut bills for every household by £300. Currently, household bills have increased and the government is considering nuclear power which could cost Scottish households an additional £300 million over a decade.

Question

The hon. Gentleman knows that Scottish energy consumers pay among the highest electricity prices in the UK; he knows there are serious alternatives quicker to implement and actually reduce bills, such as geothermal energy; and he knows the Government's figures for nuclear waste disposal facilities can be up to £53 billion. With available cost-effective alternatives, will the Minister listen to the Scottish people, stop the obsession with costly nuclear power that Scotland neither needs nor wants?

Answer from Michael Shanks

First, in every single opinion poll a majority of Scots show that they support nuclear energy. Secondly, every day nuclear baseload is powering Scotland with the last station Torness about to close without replacement. Thirdly, hundreds of skilled workers are employed by nuclear power stations, and thousands of Scots work in nuclear plants in England due to Labour's opposition to nuclear.

Not addressed: Did not address alternatives or the costs associated with nuclear energy

How: Changed Subject To Public Opinion Polls

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Q3 Bill Esterson Lab Sefton Central
Scotland Energy
Context

The Minister stated that new nuclear is essential for energy security and alternative jobs for workers in oil and gas. The Scottish Government's opposition to new nuclear is seen as undermining both the energy transition and secure employment opportunities.

Question

Does the Minister agree that by blocking new nuclear in Scotland—in contrast to what is happening in England and Wales—the Scottish Government are undermining not just the energy transition but alternative jobs for oil and gas workers?

Answer from Michael Shanks

My hon. Friend is right, over 5,000 Scots currently work in the UK's nuclear industry but not in Scotland due to SNP opposition. There are huge potential benefits for workers to transfer skills from oil and gas into new nuclear power stations, however SNP's ideological approach hinders this progress.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly commit to any actions or timelines regarding capturing skills from the oil and gas industry

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Q4 Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Scotland Energy
Context

Thirty-eight years ago, the Piper Alpha rig disaster highlighted dangers faced by workers ensuring energy supply to UK homes and businesses. The Department's exploration of new nuclear potential is welcomed as a way forward.

Question

What is the Department doing to ensure that no part of Great Britain is left behind in exploring new nuclear possibilities? What progress has been made despite SNP opposition through planning regulations?

Answer from Michael Shanks

I echo words about Piper Alpha victims. While welcoming support for new nuclear from hon. Gentleman, we face challenges due to Scottish Government opposition through their planning laws. We will continue efforts to persuade the SNP to reconsider and not miss out on job opportunities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions or progress updates

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Q5 Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Brexit Energy
Context

A former Conservative government committed to building a new gigawatt-scale reactor at Wylfa and generating 25% of British electricity from nuclear. Current Labour lacks such ambition.

Question

Will the Minister update us on progress with Fingleton review recommendations, and revive previous commitment to an ambitious British nuclear future?

Answer from Michael Shanks

Welcoming former Conservative's previous ambitions, their record shows no delivery. In contrast, we are delivering Hinkley and Sizewell C reactors plus an internationally recognized small modular reactor programme.

Not addressed: Did not provide updates on Fingleton review recommendations or revive previous commitments

How: Criticized Former Government

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