New Nuclear Power

Debate between Joan Walley and Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park

Thursday 7th February 2013 Commons Chamber

[Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) (Con)]

rose—

[Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab)]

rose—

--- Later in debate ---

[Joan Walley]

Energy security is top of my list as well, but I would not want the Government—not just now but in 2050 and beyond, which is why we are looking at the decommissioning of nuclear waste—to be held over a barrel as a result of a decision made now that will have a lasting legacy in years ahead.

[Zac Goldsmith]

Given recent threats from EDF Energy over the past couple of days, it seems to me that we are already being held over a barrel in relation to the strike price. We are being asked for extraordinary levels of subsidy by an industry whose subsidy appetite should be not disappearing but declining after 50 years. Instead, it seems to be increasing.

[Joan Walley]

I agree with the hon. Gentleman, and given what has happened this week with Centrica, and the uncertainty over how the new nuclear power stations will be constructed, everyone is being held over a barrel. That does not mean, however, that we should not sit down and work out together transparently a way of creating an energy policy that is fit for purpose and that our constituents deserve.