Evidence from the events in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Exeter, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Newcastle and Norwich will help inform the decision due to be made later this year on whether it is in the public interest to give energy companies the option of building new nuclear power stations.

The Government has already reached the view that new nuclear would be in the public interest because it believes it has the potential to make an important contribution to the UK's energy security and to help to reduce the amount of carbon we emit.

However, Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Enterprise, John Hutton said: "The decision will be based on a careful consideration of all the evidence gathered during our consultation. That includes the views of the general public and those of the business community, energy companies, green groups and academics."

During the events, participants will be provided with information to help them understand further the issues involved and they will spend the day debating amongst themselves issues such as safety, security, waste management and the energy mix. Participants' views will be captured by facilitators who will sit with them during the discussions.

They will also be asked a number of polling questions relating to the material presented and asked to answer these using electronic handsets. The polling results and a summary of key trends and issues arising will be available throughout the day.