All Party Chair backs calls for clarity on new nuclear

John Robertson MP today backed calls from MPs and major utilities for more clarity from government on the way forward for nuclear power.

The Glasgow North West MP and Chair of the All Party Group on Nuclear Energy was speaking after a debate involving major utilities including British Energy, EDF and E.ON.

“This is another crucial year for the nuclear industry and the 40,000 workers who depend on it for their livelihoods. But it is a crucial consideration for the UK as a whole.”

“The issues of climate change and security of supply need to be tackled and following the government’s commitment to a low carbon economy in last year’s energy review we now need a clear path forwards for how we achieve that – and nuclear must play a role.”

The group heard presentations from the three companies on their views for a way forward for nuclear. MPs then asked searching questions on issues as diverse as the potential job creation that new build would bring, the UK’s capability to finance and build a new fleet of reactors and the process for establishing power station siting criteria, planning and licensing.

John Robertson said potential investors in new nuclear would not commit until there was a clear timetable and resolution of major issues including long-term waste management and carbon pricing.