Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Small Modular Reactors: Jobs 2026-07-07

Tuesday 7 July 2026 · 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 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Baggy Shanker referenced his entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests related to Rolls-Royce.
  • The Minister highlighted the importance of strengthening UK supply chains for SMRs despite some overseas content.
  • Jamie Stone mentioned constituents' excitement about Dounreay being identified as suitable for nuclear projects.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Baggy Shanker Labour (Co-op)
Energy Business & Trade
Context

Rolls-Royce's SMR project aims to boost UK energy security and create skilled jobs in Derby. The previous government did not back this initiative.

Question

I refer the House to my entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests relating to Rolls-Royce. By backing SMRs, which the previous Government failed to do, this Government are backing Britain, delivering stronger energy security and good, skilled jobs in Derby and across the UK. Does the Minister agree that, in order to boost the benefits for our brilliant small and medium-sized businesses, at least 70% of the SMR supply chain must be built here in Britain?

Answer from Chris McDonald

I agree with my hon. Friend, as do Great British Energy Nuclear, which has set a 70% target, and Rolls-Royce. Although we understand that these great export products, when built abroad, will necessarily have some overseas content, we need to do more to strengthen supply chains in the UK. We have a gap at tier 1 and tier 2 of the supply chain, and I am determined to work with Rolls-Royce and engage in some meaningful industrial development activity to see how we can encourage British companies to compete successfully in that part of the supply chain.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Scotland Energy
Context

Dounreay in Caithness is being considered as a potential site for a new nuclear power station development.

Question

While I am very fond of the hon. Member for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey (Graham Leadbitter), the House will not be surprised to hear that I do not hang on his every word. My constituents are cock-a-hoop and absolutely delighted that Dounreay, in my constituency, has been identified as suitable for a new nuclear power station development, possibly an SMR. What can I do to help the Government make that become a reality?

Answer from Chris McDonald

As the hon. Gentleman knows, I know Dounreay, Reay and the north-east of Scotland very well for personal and family reasons, and I also know how the local community relied on very good jobs at the power station for so long. This Government would be very keen to undertake more nuclear projects in Scotland. If he wishes to be helpful and persuasive on that, he really needs to address his concerns to the Scottish Government and particularly the Scottish National party, which stands in the way of Scotland realising its nuclear potential.

Not addressed: The specific actions Jamie Stone can take to help realize Dounreay's potential for an SMR project

How: Redirecting Responsibility To The Scottish Government And Snp

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email