Committee publication · Correspondence · 10 December 2025

Correspondence from the Secretary of State relating to new nuclear in Torness, dated 28 November 2025

From: Energy Security and Net Zero Committee

Summary

Ed Miliband responds to the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee's September inquiry about new nuclear development at Torness, Scotland. The Secretary of State outlines the government's £17bn nuclear commitment, confirms Sizewell C's Financial Close, announces Rolls-Royce SMR's selection for a Wylfa (Anglesey) project, and commits to having Great British Energy assess Scotland's new nuclear potential in 2026, despite Scottish Government opposition to new nuclear stations.

Key findings

Government committing almost £17bn across the Spending Review period to nuclear new build, described as 'the most ambitious nuclear new build programme for a generation'.
Sizewell C reached Financial Close and Revenue Commencement on 4 November 2025 following Final Investment Decision in July.
Rolls-Royce SMR selected as preferred bidder for GBE-N's first SMR project at Wylfa, Anglesey, expected to support ~3,000 jobs at peak construction.
Scottish Government currently opposes new nuclear power stations in Scotland; planning policy is devolved to Scottish authorities.
Secretary of State has asked GBE-N to assess Scotland's potential for new nuclear development, with findings due during 2026, including areas with historical nuclear benefits.

Tone

Procedural

Topics

nuclear-energyenergy-securityclean-powerdevolved-government

Key actors

Ed Miliband, Bill Esterson, Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N), Rolls-Royce SMR, EDF, Scottish Government

Notable line

“The government is delivering a new golden age of nuclear, committing almost £17bn across the Spending Review period to the most ambitious …”

Key Quotes

“The government is delivering a new golden age of nuclear, committing almost £17bn across the Spending Review period to the most ambitious nuclear new build programme for a generation.”
— Ed Miliband · Opening statement of government nuclear policy

“I was pleased to announce on 13 November that GBE- N's first SMR project will be sited at Wylfa on Anglesey in North Wales, supporting around 3,000 good jobs at peak construction and thousands more across the supply chain.”
— Ed Miliband · Announcement of first Small Modular Reactor location

“… planning policy is devolved to the Scottish Government, which currently opposes the building of new nuclear power stations in Scotland.”
— Ed Miliband · Explaining devolved authority constraints on Scottish nuclear development

“I have asked GBE- N to assess Scotland's potential for new nuclear development, reporting back to me during”
— Ed Miliband · Response to cross-party interest in Scottish nuclear potential

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Source · parliament.uk record ↗