House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Management of Italian nuclear materials in the UK
26 February 2025 · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Proposed by Michael Shanks Lab Rutherglen
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has agreed to transactions that will not increase plutonium or uranium in the UK.
- Facilitating the conclusion of historical European nuclear material contracts involving Italian materials.
- Annual figures for national holdings of civil plutonium and uranium will be published to enhance transparency and public confidence.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the management of Italian nuclear materials being transferred through the UK under agreements with the Euratom Supply Agency.
Action requested
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has agreed to transactions that will not increase plutonium or uranium in the UK, facilitating the conclusion of historical European nuclear material contracts. Annual figures for national holdings of civil plutonium and uranium will be published to enhance transparency and public confidence.
Key facts
- The transactions have been agreed by the Euratom Supply Agency.
- The Department has agreed these transactions on cost-effective grounds.
- Revenue from transactions covers the management costs of involved materials.
- Annual figures for national holdings of civil plutonium and uranium will be published at the end of each calendar year.
- In January 2025, the decision was made to immobilise UK-owned civil separated plutonium inventory at Sellafield.