On Tuesday 3rd March, MPs and Peers from across the House attended an educational briefing in Parliament with First Light Fusion, a world‑leading UK‑based fusion company, focused on its innovative FLARE approach to inertial fusion energy.
Chaired by our Chair, Jo White MP, the session provided parliamentarians with an introduction to fusion energy, why it matters for the UK’s long‑term energy security, and what distinguishes First Light Fusion’s approach from other fusion pathways under development.
The APPG heard from Mark Thomas, CEO, and Dr Jonathan Skidmore, Principal Scientist, who set out how FLARE represents the first commercially viable, reactor‑compatible pathway to high‑gain inertial fusion. Published last year, FLARE marks a significant step towards delivering affordable fusion energy at scale and could enable the deployment of a UK commercial fusion reactor by 2035 – well ahead of current international timelines.
Discussion also highlighted the wider strategic benefits of First Light Fusion’s technology, including opportunities to strengthen UK sovereign capability and support ambitions in defence, space and advanced computing.
The briefing took place at a pivotal moment for UK fusion policy, with the Government expected to publish its UK Fusion Strategy later this spring. The Fusion Energy APPG will continue to engage parliamentarians on the range of fusion technologies being developed in the UK and the steps needed to secure fusion’s contribution to clean energy, skilled jobs and economic growth.