Ed Miliband on Nuclear Energy

Edward Miliband, as the current Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, champions a major expansion of nuclear energy, referring to it as the start of a "golden age of nuclear for Britain." This strong pro-nuclear stance encompasses support for both large-scale new reactors, such as committing £14.2 billion for Sizewell C, and the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with Rolls-Royce SMR being selected as the preferred bidder for the UK's first SMR fleet, backed by over £2.5 billion in public investment. He justifies this commitment by citing the imperative of energy security, the demands of the climate crisis—noting that experts like the Climate Change Committee advise new nuclear is needed—and the creation of skilled, well-paid jobs across the UK supply chain.

His current position represents an evolution from past stances, as he has previously identified the long timescales for nuclear projects as a challenge. However, in 2025, he stated that the imperative for energy security following the invasion of Ukraine and the need to meet expected doubling of electricity demand by 2050 make new nuclear indispensable alongside renewables. He also pledged a further £2.5 billion investment into nuclear fusion, specifically supporting the STEP programme, demonstrating a commitment across the entire spectrum of nuclear technology, and has openly criticized the Scottish National Party for opposing new nuclear development in Scotland.