The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) welcomes today's government announcement which accepts all the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce's recommendations. It sets out the UK's priorities that will inform our work and enable us to deliver our purposes in a rapidly changing environment.
We have worked closely with the Taskforce throughout the review process to help shape the future of UK nuclear regulation and remain committed to supporting the safe and timely delivery of nuclear projects.
We fully understand the national priorities: economic growth, energy security, achieving net zero, maintaining the nuclear deterrent, and cleaning up legacy facilities while staying true to our core mission - protecting society by securing safe nuclear operations.
To fulfil our mission effectively in this climate, we must think and do things differently.
Work is already ongoing to implement these recommendations, and in the coming months we will update on progress as we work closely with government, industry and other regulators to ensure world class regulation for the next generation.
Since November we’ve been working closely with the government and other regulators to take significant steps in establishing the lead regulator model, with ONR designated as the default interim lead for the nuclear sector.
This is the first step towards establishing the new Commission for Nuclear Regulation.
We are pleased that the government's response has noted that ONR is leading the way with its international harmonisation work, positioning itself at the forefront of shaping global approaches to nuclear regulation.
We remain committed to being part of a collaborative approach. This work cannot be delivered by one organisation alone and if we are to achieve the intended outcomes of the review, it will require a coordinated action from all stakeholders towards a shared goal.
Mike Finnerty, ONR’s Chief Nuclear Inspector and Chief Executive, said:
"We welcome the government's acceptance of the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce's recommendations and its plan to implement them.
"As an enabling regulator, we look forward to working in close partnership with the government, industry and all stakeholders to drive forward the cultural and practical changes needed to safely deliver nuclear projects more efficiently and effectively in support of the country's clean energy goals.
"We embrace this new era with ambition and purpose while maintaining our cornerstone principles of upholding the safety and security of workers and the public, which is at the heart of everything we do."