Oral Answers to Questions

Stephen Metcalfe Excerpts

Thursday 19th November 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Put it in the Library. We will all be grateful.

[Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) (Con)]

10. What steps she is taking to encourage the building of further new nuclear reactors.

[The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Andrea Leadsom)]

My hon. Friend will be aware that the Government are committed to an expansion of new nuclear power, which is a vital part of our work to build a clean, affordable, safe and reliable energy system for the future. The industry is taking forward proposals to build six new nuclear power plants, providing 18 GW of low carbon power in the UK. We are in regular contact with it.

[Stephen Metcalfe]

Following the recent welcome announcement that China will be involved in the provision of new nuclear, will my right hon. Friend reassure the House and my constituents that all proper safety and security measures will be taken, and that a robust mechanism for monitoring such will be in place?

[Andrea Leadsom]

Yes, I can absolutely reassure my hon. Friend. Safety in our nuclear plants is of paramount importance. Any operator of a UK nuclear plant must meet the UK’s stringent safety and security regulations, which are enforced by an independent regulator. They provide a whole range of controls, including safe and secure operation, consumer protection, security of UK supply and enforcement of contractual obligations.