The Government has proposed the creation of a Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. What is needed now is urgent legislation to create it and secure funding for the sake of both the industry and the environment.
The creation of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) through the Nuclear Sites and Radioactive Substances Bill is an important and welcome step for the British nuclear industry and for the nation. The Bill is likely to be introduced in the next session of Parliament.
The NDA will deal with the historical legacy of the UK's civil nuclear liabilities from the early days of Britain's nuclear programme when this country was a pioneer of nuclear technology. It represents real progress in the Government's undertaking to decommission and cleanup the historical legacy of nuclear sites in state ownership, which is a major financial commitment, and provides significant business opportunities to British companies.
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| The Dounreay site where decommissioning is already underway |
Certainty over funding, and a clear programme of work has to be established soon to enable the nuclear industry to carry out this vital work. The Government must maintain momentum and proceed to legislation as soon as possible.
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