‘Mark-your-own-homework’ nuclear “safeguards” proposed by UK Government as part of Brexit plans. A week ago the Government published a near 100-page report titled ‘The future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union’, which has provoked much public and political discussion. But one important issue not examined in the media was the section on the future of the UK commercial nuclear sector and any future relationship with the EU nuclear agency, Euratom. (The section on Euratom is reproduced below)
David Lowry’s Blog 23rd July 2018 read more »
We’ve made considerable progress in setting up a UK State System of Accountancy and Control (SSAC), which will provide a domestic safeguards regime after the UK exits Euratom: it’s one of our top ten priorities in our 2018/19 Corporate Plan. The Nuclear Safeguards Bill, the legislation which will give us the legal powers to set up a domestic safeguards regime, received Royal Assent in June and is now enshrined in law as the Nuclear Safeguards Act. The government has now begun its consultation on the regulations link to external website that will underpin this legislation, and is seeking views on the operability and effectiveness of the regulations. The consultation is open to 14 September 2018 – do respond as early as possible, to ensure your voice is heard.
ONR 23rd July 2018 read more »
The EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee has asked the government for further clarity on the Office for Nuclear Regulation’s (ONR) future funding arrangements following Brexit. The Sub-Committee wrote to the Minister for Business and Industry, Richard Harrington MP, following an evidence session with the ONR, which considered its efforts to prepare the UK’s nuclear sector for leaving the EU. Euratom currently implements a system of safeguards to control the use of nuclear materials – the government has made arrangements for the UK to leave the group at the same time as leaving the EU. At this time the ONR will be taking on new duties as a result.
Energy Live News 23rd July 2018 read more »