UK Nuclear Power

Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)
20. What steps he is taking to deliver new and advanced nuclear power in the UK.

The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Kwasi Kwarteng)
My hon. Friend will have noticed that we are fully committed to the nuclear power industry and, unlike the Opposition, we are looking to develop nuclear power because it is an essential component of decarbonised, stable, firm power.

Andrew Bridgen
I thank my right hon. Friend for that reassurance. I have long spoken up for modular nuclear technology, not only for the baseload it can supply to our energy production but for the jobs and prosperity it can provide for the city of Derby and the north of England. Does he agree that while we wait for this modular nuclear technology to come online, it is also important that we invest in fracking, because short-term energy security has never been more important than it is currently?

Kwasi Kwarteng
My hon. Friend will know that I asked the British Geological Survey to look at fracking, and we will be coming out with a statement on its findings shortly.

Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con)
rose—

Mr Speaker
Richard Graham, you have had a question.

Richard Graham
I’ve got another one.

Mr Speaker
You can’t have one! I hate to say it to you, but how long have you been here?