The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) welcomes the findings of the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce and reinforces its commitment to support the safe and timely delivery of nuclear projects.
As a nationally and internationally respected regulator, which is recognised in the Taskforce report, ONR understands the national priorities - such as growth, the importance of energy security, achieving net zero, maintaining a nuclear deterrent, and cleaning up legacy facilities - while protecting protecting society by securing safe nuclear operations.
The Taskforce review examined how the UK’s regulatory framework could be improved to support these government ambitions.
Mike Finnerty, ONR's Chief Executive and Chief Nuclear Inspector, said: “We have worked closely with the Taskforce to help shape the future of UK nuclear regulation, recognising the expansion, growth and technological advancements happening across the sector.
"The Taskforce work has informed the development of our new strategy, which will be published for public consultation next month.
"The draft strategy sets out a modern, agile and productive regulatory approach, with public trust and strong standards of nuclear safety and security at its heart.
“We believe this approach is crucial if ONR is to continue to regulate the industry effectively through the renaissance we are witnessing.
“ONR is ready to implement recommendations that remove any unnecessary burden from the regulatory framework, while maintaining rigorous safety standards.”
ONR will continue to work closely with government, industry and other regulators on the implementation of the Taskforce recommendations, following the publication of the government’s more detailed response, expected in due course