Portrait of Keir Starmer
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Keir Starmer on Nuclear Power

Supports new investment (strong)

Keir Starmer's government explicitly backs investment in new nuclear power stations as a key component of its plan for energy security and decarbonisation. This position is materialised through a substantial capital allocation detailed in the government's Spending Review following the 2024 General Election victory. It aligns with Starmer's wider commitment to achieving clean energy goals and developing national infrastructure projects.

Context

As Prime Minister, Keir Starmer is responsible for setting the United Kingdom's energy policy, making nuclear power a significant consideration for national security and meeting climate targets. His government campaigned on a "Green Prosperity Plan" and achieving energy independence. This places nuclear power as a crucial element in his long-term strategy to decarbonise the electricity grid by 2030, a pledge he strongly favours.

Actions Taken

  1. Capital Investment
    The government allocated £14.2 billion for a new nuclear power station project at Sizewell C.

Related Positions

  • Climate Change Starmer strongly favours green policies and has committed to eliminating fossil fuels from the UK electricity grid by 2030, which necessitates firm, low-carbon power like nuclear.
  • Infrastructure Development The investment in Sizewell C falls under his government's stated mission to undertake a programme to speed up the delivery of 'high quality infrastructure'.
Sources2

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.