UK Energy: Grid Decarbonisation Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateLord Alton of Liverpool
Main Page: Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Lord Alton of Liverpool's debates with the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero
(1 week ago)
Lords ChamberMy Lords, a process for small modular reactors is being undertaken by Great British Nuclear at the moment. It has undertaken a technology appraisal, tenders have now come in, and I expect that the outcome of the process will be known by the end of spring. That is tied into SR discussions.
My Lords, did the Minister note over the weekend the views of Unison and the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, along with the letter sent by a Holocaust survivor to Mr Ed Miliband, all supporting the all-party amendment, which was passed by your Lordships’ House by a majority of 50, saying that there should be zero tolerance for the use of slave labour in supply chains? When Mr Miliband went to China last week, did he raise the use of Uyghur slave labour in the manufacture of solar panels and other green technology? Did he raise the use of child labour in the DRC in lithium and cobalt mining and their use in green technology, including these solar panels?
My Lords, I understand the noble Lord’s concern. He will know that the Great British Energy Bill is being debated in the other place in a day or two’s time. I understand the point that he raises and we will look at that letter with a great deal of consideration. We are committed to tackling the issue of forced labour in supply chains, and legislation and guidance are already in place to help businesses take action against modern slavery.