Committee publication · Correspondence · 8 July 2025
Correspondence from the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero regarding draft National Policy Statement, dated 13 June 2025
Summary
Secretary of State Ed Miliband reports findings from a 77-response public consultation on the draft National Policy Statement for nuclear energy (EN-7), held February–April 2025. A majority (59%) expressed support for nuclear power; 30% remained neutral; 11% opposed. Respondents largely agreed the EN-7 criteria were appropriate, though 68% called for additional planning flexibility and clearer guidance for developers navigating the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project regime.
Key findings
- 77 responses received: 38 from nuclear/energy industry, 19 from NGOs/public/environmental advocates, 14 from local authorities, 6 from statutory consultees.
- 59% (45 respondents) supported nuclear citing economic growth, jobs, and low-carbon secure energy; 11% (9) opposed citing cost, environmental impacts, and safety concerns.
- 51% agreed with the 50MW threshold for NSIP inclusion; 21% argued all nuclear projects warrant NSIP scrutiny regardless of size.
- 68% called for relaxed population density requirements and additional siting guidance; 52% believed EN-7 adequately future-proofs for advanced nuclear technologies.
- On Semi-Urban Population Density Criterion (SUPDC): 36% supported retention; 28% opposed it as inappropriate for advanced nuclear technologies; 18% requested future review pending safety evidence.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
nuclear-energyplanning-policyinfrastructurenet-zero
Key actors
Ed Miliband, Alistair Carmichael, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Notable line
“A majority of respondents, 45 (59% of respondents), expressed support for nuclear, for reasons including the impact of nuclear power on economic growth and jobs …”
Key Quotes
“I am writing to share with you the responses to the public consultation we held on our draft National Policy Statement for nuclear energy generation, called EN-7, from 6 February to 3 April”
“A majority of respondents, 45 (59% of respondents), expressed support for nuclear, for reasons including the impact of nuclear power on economic growth and jobs, and its supply of low carbon, secure and reliable energy.”
“A large majority, 68%, answered yes and many of these responses either argued in favour of relaxing population density requirements …”
“Just over half, 55%, answered yes and felt that there were areas of the draft EN-7 where further clarity or guidance is needed …”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗