Nuclear Energy (Financing) Bill — Timetable and Arrangements — 3 Nov 2021 at 18:25

The majority of MPs voted in favour of proposed arrangements for considering laws enabling the government to direct funds from electricity consumers, via electricity suppliers, to help pay for, and encourage private investment in, new nuclear power stations.

The motion supported by the majority of MPs in this vote was:

• That the following provisions shall apply to the Nuclear Energy (Financing) Bill:
• Committal
• The Bill shall be committed to a Public Bill Committee.
• Proceedings in Public Bill Committee
• Proceedings in the Public Bill Committee shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion on 30 November 2021.
• The Public Bill Committee shall have leave to sit twice on the first day on which it meets.
• Proceedings on Consideration and Third Reading
• Proceedings on Consideration shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour before the moment of interruption on the day on which proceedings on Consideration are commenced.
• Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the moment of interruption on that day.
• Standing Order No. 83B (Programming committees) shall not apply to proceedings on Consideration and Third Reading.

The Nuclear Energy (Financing) Bill^[1][2][3] provides powers for the Government to help fund, and encourage private investment in, new nuclear power stations by directing funds from consumers, via electricity suppliers, to pay for the design, construction, commissioning and operation of a new nuclear energy generation project.

The explanatory notes to the Bill^[3] state:

• Large scale nuclear power plants are the only proven technology available today to provide continuous, reliable and low carbon electricity.
• ...
• the Government’s analysis shows that the UK is likely to need nuclear generation beyond the new plant being constructed at Hinkley Point C. To meet the challenge of net zero [targeted greenhouse gas emissions by 2050]

The motion supported by a majority of MPs in this vote was:

• That the Bill be now read a Second time.

Support for this motion enabled the Bill to continue on its path to becoming law.

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• [1] Parliament's webpage on the Nuclear Energy (Financing) Bill, Parliament.uk
• [2] Nuclear Energy (Financing) Bill as introduced, 26 October 2021, Parliament.uk
• [3] Explanatory notes to the Nuclear Energy (Financing) Bill as introduced, 26 October 2021, Parliament.uk

Debate in Parliament |