The Political Pulse on Nuclear
MP Perspectives on Nuclear Development
In collaboration with the Nuclear Industry Association, we commissioned YouGov to conduct a survey of MPs from across the UK to help us understand their views on new nuclear.
Our report helps us understand MP’s views on new nuclear, and the extent to which they would support or oppose the development of new advanced nuclear technologies within their constituencies.
How political is nuclear?
The UK Government has an ambition for 24 gigawatts of nuclear energy by 2050. That’s almost double the highest installed capacity the UK has ever achieved. Such an aspiration needs significant political support both on the national level, driving policy, and locally to support developments.
So where are our UK politicians in terms of the need for nuclear?
In collaboration with the Nuclear Industry Association, we commissioned YouGov to conduct a survey of MPs from across the UK to help us understand their views on new nuclear.
The report helps us understand MP’s views on new nuclear, and the extent to which they would support or oppose the development of new advanced nuclear technologies within their constituencies. It also outlines MP’s perceived benefits and greatest concerns of hosting new nuclear in their constituencies.
Download the full report and read our analysis on what this means for the industry.
Shaping the Narrative in the Nuclear Industry
We’ve worked extensively with CGN and EDF in supporting the communication around Bradwell B since 2017 and are now a member of the Nuclear Industry Association, because of our substantial and growing experience in the sector.
We understand the planning and licensing process for nuclear, and we know community and stakeholder engagement inside-out. In addition, our specialist Government Relations Team has an in-depth understanding of the complex policy and regulatory landscape within which nuclear sits.
Collectively our team help the industry to tell its story to shape the environment in which you operate.
Powering up nuclear.
A timeline of key nuclear announcements.
2017
Construction begins at Hinkley Point C in Somerset. It soon becomes the largest construction site in Europe.
2019
Government analysis suggests that the UK needs up to 40GW of low carbon power stations to reach net zero by 2050 – the equivalent of 12 Hinckley Point Cs.
2020
The Ten Point Plan for a green industrial revolution and the Energy White Paper both list nuclear as key to decarbonising the UK’s energy supplies, with plans to approve at least one new nuclear plant by the next general election.
2022
Energy Security Strategy includes the £120 million Future Nuclear Enabling Fund and announces the formation of Great British Nuclear to drive development of the sector.
2022
The Chancellor announces the go-ahead for Sizewell C in Suffolk. This followed the earlier announcement from Government that it would take a £700m stake in the sister plant to Hinkley Point C.
2023
Great British Nuclear launched. GBN is responsible for driving delivery of new nuclear projects
2024
Civil Nuclear: Roadmap to 2050 released, outlining how the UK will increase nuclear generation by up to 4 times to 24GW by 2050
2024
A final investment decision is expected on Sizewell C. Construction will take 10 years on the sister plant to Hinkley Point C which will supply enough electricity to power the equivalent of 6 million UK homes.
2025
New nuclear National Policy Statement designated.
2027
Hinkley Point C is expected to open, the UK’s first new nuclear power stations for nearly 30 years.
2029
Rolls-Royce plans to open a small modular reactor.
2030
By this date, the UK’s electricity generation from nuclear plans will have fallen by 55% since 2010.
Work to be
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How Political is Nuclear?
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Our Insights.
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“From explaining the sector’s various permissions, consents and licenses to addressing construction, environmental and safety issues, we can translate the complex and help developers build meaningful long-term relationships with the communities around a nuclear site.”
“The team at Cavendish has an array of experience within the nuclear sector, from working on the developer side to providing external advice around public and stakeholder engagement at all levels, from Local Authorities to Whitehall and Westminster, always utilising the most appropriate comms channels.”
“Within the Cavendish, our specialist Government Relations team have a deep understanding of the political, policy and regulatory environment which is so crucial to the nuclear industry. We help our clients to tell their story and to influence those who really matter.”
“I believe our strength lies in our ability to draw together all aspects of the communications mix. Our cross-group team includes media strategists, digital comms experts and government relations specialists; they all work alongside our planning teams to deliver multi-channel programmes that land our clients’ messaging with maximum impact.”
“Cavendish brings a marriage of insight, experience and passion for nuclear to the sector. As well as having worked at the coalface of nuclear projects to deliver major consultations, several colleagues have worked within the nuclear industry itself. This leaves us best placed to advise on all aspects of nuclear comms and engagement.”