UK publishes legislation for nuclear safeguards for Euratom exit

• 6 years ago (2017-10-13)
• David Flin

Europe 1068 Nuclear 643

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The UK Government has published its Nuclear Safeguards Bill to establish a domestic nuclear safeguards regime in preparation for the country’s departure from Euratom. The Bill was introduced to the House of Commons and has been given its first reading.

The Government has said that it is committed to a domestic nuclear safeguards regime to existing Euratom standards, exceeding those required by the international community. The Bill will bolster the roles and responsibilities of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) once the UK leaves Euratom. The Government said that the UK will continue to be a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Work is ongoing with international parties to ensure all relevant international standards are met.

The UK is due to leave Euratom in 2019.

Richard Harrington, UK Energy Minister, said that the “equivalent high standards of Euratom will be maintained.”