Energy MPs test level of Brexit fall-out on British nuclear power industry as Scots firms win £100m supply contracts

MPs on the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee begin the first session of their Brexit inquiry this week with a session on civil nuclear energy.

Their evidence session (on 1 Nov 2017) is likely to examine priorities for the future relationship on regulations, nuclear safeguards, nuclear decommissioning, skills and research, and challenges that may arise from leaving Euratom.

Witnesses include Richard Harrington, Minister for Energy and Industry, and the British Nuclear Industry Association.

Rachel Reeves MP, Chairman of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, said: “As we leave the European Union and Euratom, there are serious concerns about how this will impact on research, nuclear safeguards, and the future of our nuclear industry.

“We will want to question the Minister and our industry witnesses on what the future relationship and transitional arrangements with Europe will look like and gain a clearer understanding of the Government’s efforts to this end.

“Brexit represents the biggest change for British business in the last 40 years and it’s vital that the voices of employers and employees are clearly heard during the negotiating process; and that the Government listens.”

“There are potentially severe implications of leaving Euratom without alternative arrangements in place, in particular for nuclear power stations and nuclear R&D, and we will want to examine the outcomes the UK should be aiming for in these negotiations and how these can be achieved.”

Meanwhile, more than £100 million of contracts for work on the new Hinkley Point C station have been awarded  to Scottish companies, including SPX ClydeUnion Pumps and Weir Group – both of Glasgow – and Doosan Babcock of Renfrewshire.

Key parts to be supplied include main pumps for feedwater systems and large pumps for cooling water.

30 Oct 2017