Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps are being taken to enhance and further develop the UK's relationship with the International Atomic Energy Agency prior to, and following, withdrawal from the Euratom Treaty; whether a UK department has been clearly identified to lead this relationship and secure suitable outcomes across nuclear, non-nuclear and the wider radiation protection interests; and what process has been put in place to ensure that all relevant departments, in both the UK and the devolved administrations, work together to ensure that a suitable outcome is reached.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is the lead UK Department for the relationship with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The UK plays a central role in the IAEA as a major contributor of financial and technical assistance, and is influential in shaping the Agency’s governance and policy as a permanent member of the Board of Governors.

The Department coordinates across government, with the Office for Nuclear Regulation, the Devolved Administrations and other interested stakeholders, as well as with the UK Mission in Vienna, to build on our existing influence within the IAEA in support of the UK’s nuclear, non-nuclear and wider radiation protection priorities. We will continue to do this alongside shaping the UK’s future relationship with the EU and Euratom.

The UK will continue to take a leading role in shaping the global nuclear safety and security regimes through its influence in the IAEA. We remain absolutely committed to maintaining high standards of radiation protection for workers, the public and the environment.