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

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps are being taken to ensure that the UK maintains its position and reputation as a leader in radiation protection standards following withdrawal from the Euratom Treaty; whether those steps include the strengthening of the relationship with the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP); and whether Government funding will be provided to support participation in ICRP committees and working groups.

Maintaining nuclear and radiation safety remains our top priority and this Government remains absolutely committed to the highest standards of nuclear and radiation safety and protection, and to support the industries that use radioactive substances.

Radiation protection standards are already well established in existing UK legislation, which – like Euratom legislation – is and continues to be informed by and based on the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and the safety standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This commitment is demonstrated by the fact that the UK is currently implementing the Euratom Basic Safety Standards Directive, which updates our radiation protection standards.

Public Health England (PHE) does not make any financial contributions to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) but provides contribution ‘in kind’ through the participation of its staff members to ICRP meetings, workshops and symposia, and by carrying out specific work at its Centre for Radiation Chemical and Environmental Hazards.