Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to include nuclear power in the UK Green Taxonomy; and whether he has had recent discussions with pension schemes including (a) BT and (b) NatWest on the level of their investments in nuclear power.

The Government’s Energy Security Strategy made clear that nuclear energy is, and will continue to be, a key part of the UK’s low-carbon energy mix alongside solar, wind and other energy sources. The Government therefore intends to include nuclear power in the UK Green Taxonomy, subject to consultation.

The development of a Taxonomy is a complex, technical exercise which is linked to multiple sectors of the economy and various legislative and regulatory framework. We have been clear that, with the support of the independent Green Technical Advisory Group and stakeholder engagement, we will take the time to get the taxonomy right to ensure it is usable and effective.

Treasury Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery.

Details of ministerial and permanent secretary meetings with external organisations on departmental business are published on a quarterly basis and are available at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmt-ministers-meetings-hospitality-gifts and-overseas-travel