Lords to investigate impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland's energy supply

First the Committee will explore the implications of Brexit for Northern Ireland's energy security, including on the impact of Brexit on the single energy market on the island of Ireland.

Then the Committee will take evidence on the UK's planned withdrawal from  the Euratom Treaty from witnesses including EDF. Among other issues, the Committee will consider the impact that leaving Euratom may have on the UK's safeguarding arrangements and for the trade of nuclear materials.

At 10:30am the Committee will hear from:

• Silke Goldberg, Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
• Robin McCormick, General Manager, SONI
• Owen Wilson, Chief Executive Electricity Association of Ireland

Questions the Committee are likely to ask include:

• To what extent is Northern Ireland reliant on imported energy, from the British mainland or elsewhere, for its energy security?
• What might be the effect of Brexit on either planned or currently operating interconnectors between the UK and the island of Ireland?
• Is it feasible for the single electricity market on the island of Ireland to be maintained after Brexit?

At 11:45am the Committee will hear from:

• Mina Golshan, Deputy Chief Inspector and Divisional Director, Office for Nuclear Regulation
• Angela Hepworth, Corporate Policy and Regulation Director, EDF
• Jenifer Baxter, Head of Energy and Environment, Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Questions the Committee are likely to ask include:

• Will investments in nuclear power plant by other countries both within and beyond the EU still be viable after the UK withdraws from Euratom?
• What will be the implications of withdrawing from Euratom for the ownership and management of nuclear waste in the UK and in the EU?
• What would you expect and wish to see in the Government's upcoming Nuclear Safeguards Bill?

The public meeting will begin at 10:30am in Committee room 2 of the House of Lords.