Third Delegated Legislation Committee

7 July 2026

Third Delegated Legislation Committee Actual start House of Commons

15:35 - 15:41
Speaker 1
Draft Contracts for Difference (Definition of Eligible Generator) (Amendment) Regulations 2026. 
15:41 - 15:52
Speaker 2
Thank you.  And before I call the Minister, gentlemen members, please relieve yourself of your jacket if you feel so inclined in this hot weather.  I now call Minister Michael Shanks. 
15:52 - 17:06
Speaker 3
Thank you, Mr. Wishart.  Not willing to be half jacket on, half jacket off in my speech, I'll continue as I am at the moment, but it's a genuine pleasure to serve under your chairmanship for the first time.  Can I move the draft Contracts for Difference (Definition of Eligible Generator) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, which were laid before the House on the 14th of May 2026.  The Contracts for Difference scheme is the government's primary way of incentivising low-carbon capacity in the electricity system. 

This instrument seeks to make changes to the scheme's eligibility criteria to include the lifetime extension of nuclear plants.  Nuclear power is anticipated to play a key role in the UK's future energy system.  By generating baseload power in the UK, nuclear energy can complement renewable sources, helping to maintain price stability for consumers and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.  It also lessens our reliance on imports from overseas, which strengthens our energy security.  However, in the coming decades, the UK's current operational nuclear fleet, including the four advanced gas-cooled reactors and Sizewell B, the UK's only pressurized water reactor, are due to begin decommissioning. 

The rest of the transcript is for Pro customers

Unlock the full transcript, chat, and every analysis feature with Polyfact Pro.

The video itself stays free to watch, in full, no account needed.

Ask anything about this video — I analyse its transcript to answer.