As the UK continues to phase out high-carbon energy sources, ensuring a just transition for workers in these sectors remains a priority. With Parliament now in session and the new Labour government keen to lead on climate action, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s (DESNZ) first Oral Questions in the House of Commons was not one to miss.
Whilst the Department has pledged to create sustainable jobs in decarbonising sectors, DESNZ Secretary of State Ed Miliband, alongside Ministers Sarah Jones, Miatta Fahnbulleh, and Michael Shanks faced pressure from MPs across the House calling for more concrete action on nuclear energy.
Charlotte Nichols, Labour MP for Warrington North, stressed that nuclear energy has one of the highest employment multipliers among low-carbon sectors. She emphasised the need for government investment in retraining workers from high-carbon industries to move into the nuclear sector. Minister Sarah Jones reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the right skills and jobs are provided to secure nuclear’s place in the country’s energy future.
Greg Smith, Conservative MP for Mid Buckinghamshire criticised the government on nuclear, questioning its support for other technologies that, “destroy the countryside”, asking why the government is “so anti-nuclear and when are they going to get on with delivering nuclear strategy”, urging quicker action on nuclear energy. Michael Shanks, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy, reassured that the government “will get on with doing the work”.
Andrew Bowie, Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine and now Shadow Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, highlighted the previous Conservative government’s target of 24GW by 2050 and launch of Great British Nuclear, pressing for reassurance that this goal remains on track. Shanks emphasised the need for adequate funding to realise these plans but affirmed the current government would build upon Great British Nuclear.
Sir John Whittingdale, Conservative MP for Maldon, highlighted the role of nuclear power in keeping energy bills affordable and reaching net zero targets. He called for the acceleration of projects like Hinkley Point and Sizewell C, as well as further development of small and advanced modular reactor technologies. Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband agreed, saying, “Nuclear is an essential part of the energy mix. We are mainly going to have a renewable system, but nuclear is an essential accompaniment. I fully support all the projects he mentions”.
Across party lines, there is growing consensus on the need to expand nuclear energy in the UK, and it was positive to see MPs from different parties all calling on the government to support nuclear. The government must act swiftly to accelerate existing nuclear projects, advance modular reactor technologies, and ensure funding for workforce retraining. These steps are essential for securing the UK’s energy security and achieving its net zero targets.
Thomas Ron is the NIA’s Public Affairs Executive
