Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

New Nuclear Energy Projects 2026-07-15

Wednesday 15 July 2026 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Scotland has high potential for new nuclear development according to Great British Energy Nuclear's technical study.
  • The SNP's stance on nuclear energy is denying high-skilled jobs and investment to Scotland, including sites like Hunterston and Torness.
  • Nuclear energy provides sustainable power and high-quality jobs with apprenticeships, benefiting local economies beyond 2029-30.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Irene Campbell Lab
Economy Scotland Energy
Context

The question arises from a recent technical study by Great British Energy Nuclear that identifies potential areas for new nuclear development in Scotland.

Question

What assessment has been made of the potential impact of new nuclear energy projects on economic growth in Scotland?

Answer from Douglas Alexander

Great British Energy Nuclear's technical study confirms that Scotland has high potential for new nuclear development. Such projects could deliver significant investment and thousands of high-quality jobs, contributing to economic growth and energy security in Scotland.

Answered
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Q2 Irene Campbell Lab
Scotland Energy
Context

The SNP's opposition to new nuclear projects is highlighted, with a specific mention of Hunterston and Torness in North Ayrshire.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that the Scottish Government should review their stance on nuclear given the potential benefits for areas such as Hunterston?

Answer from Douglas Alexander

Scotland has a history of using civil nuclear power to bring jobs and growth. However, the SNP's anti-scientific approach is denying high-skilled jobs and investment to Scotland, including Hunterston and Torness.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific review of stance on nuclear

How: Anti-Scientific Approach

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Q3 John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Scotland Energy
Context

Constituents in Torness are disappointed with the SNP Government's stance on preventing new nuclear developments.

Question

Many constituents work at Torness and are disappointed that the SNP blocks new nuclear development. Is it a mistake by the SNP to block such jobs?

Answer from Douglas Alexander

Yes, there is cross-party consensus on this. Nuclear energy provides sustainable power and high-quality jobs with apprenticeships, benefiting local economies like Torness beyond 2029-30.

Answered
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