Oral Answers to Questions

Tommy Sheppard Excerpts

Tuesday 13th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Angela Crawley (Lanark and Hamilton East) (SNP)]

2. When the Government plans to make a decision on the timetable for the development of Hinkley Point C.

[Tommy Sheppard (Edinburgh East) (SNP)]

4. When the Government plans to make a decision on the timetable for the development of Hinkley Point C.

[The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Greg Clark)]

I said on 28 July that the Government would carefully consider all the component parts of the Hinkley Point C proposed project before reaching a decision on whether to agree to the proposed contract for difference. We have been doing just that, and as the Prime Minister told the House last Wednesday, a decision will be taken this month.

--- Later in debate ---

[Greg Clark]

As I said to the hon. Lady in my answer, we are looking at all components of the deal and will make our decision before the end of the month. However, I think it is a responsible act on the part of the Government to consider our energy supplies for the future in the long term. I know the Scottish Government have turned their face against new nuclear. We regard it as an important part of a diverse energy mix that gives resilience to UK consumers.

[Tommy Sheppard]

Given that the Brexit vote has thrown the energy sector into further uncertainty and given that we know that energy from renewable sources will be cheaper than nuclear by the time Hinkley is completed, is it not now time for the UK Government to follow Scotland’s example, end this unreasonable love affair with nuclear energy and embrace cheaper, safer and more plentiful alternatives?

[Greg Clark]

Sir Winston Churchill said that in energy, “diversity and diversity alone” was the foundation for security. I think those were wise words, and I think we are wise to have a range of energy sources now and in the future—including, of course, renewables.