Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Great British Nuclear

28 June 2023 · 2 other contributors · 2,759 words

Opened by Virginia Crosbie Con Ynys Môn

Responding minister: Andrew Bowie

ClimateEnergy

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Virginia Crosbie raised concerns about great british nuclear in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Virginia Crosbie expressed concern about the potential of nuclear energy to support net zero, energy security, and local job creation.
  • She requested the government to expand the prize for winning the small modular reactor down-selection process by offering named sites and funding models.
  • The Minister highlighted the Government's commitment to civil nuclear power, noting a 700 million investment last year and the role of Great British Nuclear in driving new projects.

Key requests to Government

The hon. Member Virginia Crosbie asks the Minister to expand the prize for winning the small modular reactor down-selection process by offering named sites and access to funding models like regulated asset base or contracts for difference, along with support from GBN to form project companies. She also requests that the next two projects targeted for final investment decision in the following Parliament receive similar support as Sizewell C.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Virginia Crosbie Con Ynys Môn

The hon. Member Virginia Crosbie is concerned about the potential of nuclear energy for driving net zero, ensuring energy security, and providing high-quality jobs in local communities. She notes that nuclear power can complement renewable technologies like wind and solar, offering reliable and affordable British energy. The formation of Great British Nuclear (GBN) has provided optimism for new nuclear projects, with many international companies showing interest in Wylfa, a prime site for further development in her constituency.

Other contributors (2)
  • Daniel Poulter Con Surbiton

    He congratulated his hon. Friend on securing the debate and raised concerns about EDF's failure to properly engage with communities in Suffolk regarding Sizewell C, asking what could be done to improve engagement for future nuclear plants. The Minister needs to address the concerns raised about EDF's failure to engage with communities in Suffolk regarding Sizewell C. He asks for reassurances that lessons will be learned from this issue.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    He commended the hon. Lady for securing the debate and highlighted the importance of nuclear power in light of the war in Ukraine and the fuel crisis, stating that £20 billion for a large-scale plant is a price worth paying for national self-sufficiency.

Government Response

Andrew Bowie

The Minister emphasised the importance of accelerating home-grown power and strengthening national energy security, highlighting the Government's commitment to invest in civil nuclear power. He mentioned a £700 million investment last year and noted that Great British Nuclear will drive delivery of new nuclear projects. The minister committed to engaging with communities and stakeholders concerned about Sizewell C, ensuring their involvement until there are spades in the ground at the site. GBN aims to launch a competitive selection process for choosing small modular reactor technologies by autumn, with co-funding provided by the Government. Community engagement will be central to project development, and the Wylfa site in north Wales is included in the national policy statement for new nuclear power.

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