Is the Government prepared to deliver on the UK's nuclear energy needs?

• Parliament TV: Priorities for Nuclear Research and Technologies
• Inquiry: Priorities for Nuclear Research and Technologies
• Science and Technology Committee

In the first evidence session, the Committee questions the National Nuclear Laboratory and the UK Atomic Energy Authority. They explore issues such as the future governance and funding of their organisations; the UK's future relationship with Euratom and what steps the Government need to take to ensure the UK has a coherent and consistent long term policy for civil nuclear activities.

In the second session the Committee questions the witnesses on whether the co-ordination between the different public bodies involved in nuclear research is sufficient and what role the newly reconstituted Nuclear Industry Council can play in any sector deal as part of the Industrial Strategy.

Witnesses

Tuesday 7 March in Committee Room 4A, Palace of Westminster

At 10.40am

• Professor Paul Howarth, Chief Executive Officer, National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL)
• Professor Ian Chapman, Chief Executive Officer, UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA)

At 11.40am

• Dame Sue Ion, Chair, Nuclear Innovation and Research Advisory Board (NIRAB)
• Lord Hutton of Furness, Chairman, Nuclear Industry Association (NIA)

Possible questions

Questions likely to be covered in the first session include:

• What steps does the Government need to take to ensure the UK has a coherent and consistent long term policy for civil nuclear activities?
• What are the potential benefits, disadvantages and risks from the deployment of SMRs in the UK and more widely?
• What effect will leaving Euratom have on the UK's participation in long-term nuclear research and development projects?
• What relationship should the Government seek with Euratom after the UK has left?

Questions likely to be covered in the second session include:

• Does the UK have sufficient expertise to deliver a ‘nuclear renaissance'?
• Was NIRAB a success?
• How can nuclear strategy for R&D best be coordinated by Government?
• Should the Government be focusing heavily on SMRs?

Further information

• About Committees: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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