Modular Nuclear Programme

Lord Spellar Excerpts

Wednesday 15th October 2025 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Spellar]

To ask His Majesty’s Government, following the announcement of a modular nuclear programme, what steps they are taking to ensure the manufacturing involved is undertaken in the United Kingdom.

[Lord in Waiting/Government Whip (Lord Wilson of Sedgefield) (Lab)]

Following a report on procurement based on fairness and transparency, Great British Energy-Nuclear has selected Rolls-Royce SMR as its preferred bidder to partner with and deploy the UK’s first SMRs, subject to final government approvals and contract signature. The Government’s long-term ambition is to bring forward one of Europe’s first SMR fleets, with GB-Nuclear’s ambition being to deliver over 70% of UK contents—and this is not to mention the jobs already created under the nuclear skills plans. A policy framework is being drawn up to help get SMRs to market and will be published shortly.

[Lord Spellar (Lab)]

I thank the Minister for that reply but draw his attention to the statement put out by the Government on 15 September, Golden Age of Nuclear Delivers UK-US Deal on Energy Security. I tabled this Question because although the statement was most welcome, it had significant gaps. It highlighted the construction and operation jobs that will be created but was strangely silent on manufacturing sites and the wider supply chain, especially the government-owned Sheffield Forgemasters. What are Ministers doing to ensure that British firms and British workers continue to lead the world in this technology and play a key role in rebuilding our industrial economy?

[Lord Wilson of Sedgefield (Lab)]

I thank my noble friend for that very important question. Look at Sizewell C, for example, where over 1,500 apprenticeships will be created. Each SMR will have 3,000 jobs at peak construction and hundreds of operational jobs, as he pointed out. The nuclear skills plan has already generated 4,000 early career starts and the recent deal that he mentioned will positively impact the global nuclear industry, including the plan for 12 advanced modular nuclear reactors in Hartlepool, which will bring 2,500 jobs. The deal has the support of the UK industry. Not all of this will happen overnight, but we are setting the foundations for a golden era of nuclear.