Summer Plenary in the House of Lords

15 August 2025

In the House of Lords, union representatives from across the civil nuclear sector met to discuss supporting the workforce, with a clear message that sustaining momentum and adopting a fleet deployment approach are key to the industry’s long-term success.

Representatives from civil nuclear sites across the UK met under the chairmanship of TUSNE Chair Jim Mowatt to discuss recent progress in the sector and how workers can work together to maintain momentum. The meeting placed a strong focus on keeping nuclear communities at the centre of decision-making, ensuring continued support as existing stations close in the coming years. 

Key topics included the importance of developing new nuclear projects at sites such as Wylfa, Moorside, Hartlepool, Heysham and Torness, alongside continued backing for decommissioning programmes. Sizewell C’s Tilly Spencer outlined the latest on the UK’s next major nuclear project, including a detailed timeline, current progress and recent investment announcements. Other contributions came from Mark Rouse (DESNZ) on the skills pipeline, Josh Emden (IPPR) on just transition, Lincoln Hill (NIA) on technology and site opportunities, and Helen Perthen (Great British Energy – Nuclear) on plans for SMRs, gigawatt-scale reactors, and site selection criteria.

The session concluded with a clear sense of purpose among union representatives to push forward with supporting the civil nuclear sector and its 87,000 workers.