Nuclear Energy APPG February News

February 2026 Newsletter

Following a brilliant Nuclear Week in Parliament at the end of January, APPG members throughout February continued to champion the civil nuclear sector during what remains a very pertinent time for the civil nuclear industry. The government’s eagerly anticipated response to the Alternative Routes to Market Consultation, National Apprenticeship Week, the Trade Unionist’s for Safe Nuclear Energy’s (TUSNE) Scottish Workers Petition and the Nuclear Industry Association’s Scotland Manifesto were all warmly welcomed by APPG members, and served as a reminder that there is still much to be done for the sector to reach its full potential.

At the end of the month, several members attended the NIA’s and Women in Nuclear UK’s Parliamentary Networking Event, aimed at those with less than five years’ experience in the civil nuclear industry, the event’s objective was to help enhance networking and allow like-minded individuals keen to grow their connections in the sector.

February has been anything but quiet for the civil nuclear industry after Nuclear Week in Parliament kickstarted 2026 and the industry pushes forward with clear intentions and bundles of enthusiasm. 2026 is an important year for the sector, as Scotland and Wales gear up for the May Elections and nuclear projects Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C in England continue to take progress. 

APPG members continue to champion the civil nuclear sector, in both the Chamber and Committee sessions, and warmly welcomed the Government publication of the Alternative Routes to Market Consultation. The framework which provides the much needed clarity for UK advanced nuclear projects. By creating a clear process for developers to follow gives industry the necessary confidence to start delivering clean reliable power and skilled jobs across the country. 

Another subject which has caught members’ attention is the issue of no new nuclear in Scotland. I was proud to endorse, alongside our Conservative Co-Chair David Mundell MP, the Nuclear Industry Association’s (NIA) Scotland Manifesto, which calls for the new nuclear planning ban to be dropped, help Scottish companies win work on English and Welsh nuclear projects, and for new nuclear to be included in the Energy Skills Passport. We know that Scotland has lost out on 5,000 jobs since 2014 and if the SNP remains in power that valuable Scottish sites Torness, Hunterston and Dounreay will go to waste, and Scottish nuclear workers will be forced to relocate. If you are a Scottish nuclear worker I would encourage you to sign the Trade Unionists for Safe Nuclear Energy (TUSNE) petition here. 

February Headlines

The Key News and Announcements

- The government has published the Advanced Nuclear Framework, which establishes a formal Advanced Nuclear Pipeline, designed to facilitate privately led nuclear development and provide a clear route forward for advanced nuclear projects ahead of full regulatory approval, increasing investor confidence.

- In a debate on Woodland Creation, Chris Curtis MP acknowledged that building new nuclear power stations is “one of the best ways of enhancing nature”, whilst praising the nuclear regulatory taskforce’s recommendations.

- In a debate on Employment Support Programmes, APPG member Jamie Stone MP said he believes the nuclear industry “will be great again one day”, expressing support for the apprenticeship scheme at Dounreay and its positive impact on young people.

- During Energy Security and Net Zero Oral Questions, Irene Campbell MP argued new nuclear at Hunterston “would make a huge difference” to her constituency, describing her concern over Scottish nuclear workers being forced into relocation to England. In response, Secretary of State Ed Miliband MP called new nuclear development in Scotland “common sense” and the SNP’s opposition to it “dogmatic”.

- Also during the Questions, APPG member Tony Vaughan MP emphasised that his local workforce “desperately needs new nuclear at Dungeness” and called for environmental and habitats regulations to be reformed in line with the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce’s recommendations to support skilled jobs and energy security. Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP responded that the Government wants to “improve regulations and processes for new nuclear projects while continuing to protect the environment”, and will publish a full Government response and implementation plan by the end of the month.

- Furthermore, during the Questions, APPG member Jonathan Brash MP welcomed the publication of the Government’s Advanced Nuclear Framework and highlighted the opportunity for projects such as the X-Energy and Centrica development in Hartlepool. Michael Shanks MP said the framework will provide the clarity needed to attract private capital and support credible, privately led advanced nuclear projects through the UK Advanced Nuclear Pipeline.

- Finally, Andrew Bowie MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, also identified the “huge potential” SMRs have “for the UK and for Scotland”, calling for the Government to support TUSNE’s petition over lifting the ban on new nuclear development in Scotland.

- In an Energy Security and Net Zero Committee meeting, APPG member Lizzi Collinge MP asked Secretary of State Ed Miliband MP about changing the semi-urban population density criterion due to its impact on restricting new nuclear development. Miliband signalled support for the Fingleton review’s recommendations, which recommends the criterion be changed.