Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Policy framework for managing radioactive substances and nuclear decommissioning

16 May 2024 · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Proposed by Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine

EnergyEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The UK Government and devolved administrations are publishing an updated policy framework for managing radioactive substances and nuclear decommissioning.
  • The new policy framework replaces the 1995 document and clarifies existing policies.
  • The updated framework enables additional disposal capability in England and Wales and emphasizes decommissioning by design in nuclear projects.

Issue summary

The statement discusses an updated UK-wide policy framework for managing radioactive substances and nuclear decommissioning following a consultation.

Action requested

The UK Government and devolved administrations are publishing an updated policy framework that replaces the 1995 document, clarifies policies, enables additional disposal capability in England and Wales, and emphasizes decommissioning by design in nuclear projects. A summary of the responses to the consultation is also being published.

Key facts

  • The policy document updates Review of Radioactive Waste Management Policy: Final Conclusions (Cm 2919) from 1995.
  • Key updates include enabling additional disposal capability in England and Wales for faster, more cost-effective decommissioning.
  • The Scottish Government does not support building new nuclear plants but is committed to managing radioactive waste safely.
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