Chapter 5Simplification of Nuclear Regulation
R02On Track

Establish a collective decision-making body for nuclear regulatory decisions

Establish Commission for Nuclear Regulation

Full Recommendation Text

The establishment of a Commission for Nuclear Regulation to formalise collective decision making and leadership for the sector going forward.

The Commission should:

  • Comprise of five full-time members, presided over by the Chief Nuclear Inspector (CNI). In cases of conflict, a Deputy CNI, a new statutory role, would preside. There should be two Deputy CNIs: one each for civil and defence. Independent members would be appointed by the Prime Minister based on skill, experience and judgement;
  • Consolidate oversight and legal authority across all nuclear governance domains, safety, security, safeguards, environment, planning, and defence, into a single independent body; and
  • Be able to rapidly convene independent expert advice.
Update Timeline
On Track

Government Response: Nuclear Commission confirmed

The Government will legislate to establish the UK's first Nuclear Commission, which is to be fully functioning by Summer 2028. In the interim, a lead regulator model will be implemented as a bridging measure. The Government will scope out the Commission's objectives, roles, and composition, broadly following the Taskforce's proposed structure. This is a clear acceptance of the recommendation with a defined timeline, though the Summer 2028 target is later than the Taskforce's end-of-2027 aspiration.

Deadline moved31 Dec 2731 Jul 28
Policy Paper • DESNZ, March 2026
Clear commitment to legislate for Nuclear Commission with defined timeline.
Ownership

Primary Owner

Cabinet Office

Key Regulators

ONREnvironment Agency
Delivery Timeline
31 Dec 2731 Jul 28
Original Taskforce deadline

End of 2027

Notes: Govt response: Commission fully functioning by Summer 2028; lead regulator as interim

Scope

Sectors

civildefence

Domains

governanceregulatory structure
Implementation Type
primary legislationorganisational change
Dependencies

Depends On

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