Wednesday 18 May 2011
UK's current safety measures are adequate but there are lessons to be learned, is the conclusion of the first official report on the impact of Fukushima's nuclear disaster for Britain.
Chief Nuclear Inspector Dr Mike Weightman found that the UK displayed a strong safety culture in its response to Fukushima, and has come up with 25 points for the government to consider.
Dr Weightman was asked by Energy Secretary Chris Huhne to report on the lessons learned from the Fukushima disaster in March 2011.
Mr Huhne welcomed the news: "Safety is and will continue to be the number one priority. I am pleased that today's report confirms that the UK's current safety arrangements are working. I want regulators and the industry to work together, so that we continue to improve our safety regime."
The report also advises there is no need to halt operations at any nuclear sites in Britain, mainly because UK stations are different designs to those at Fukushima and because the likelihood of a similar natural event is "remote".
Mr Huhne added: "The Chief Nuclear Inspector has made clear the differences between the Japan and the UK. We do not use the same reactor types, and do not plan to in future. We also do not expect to experience the extreme natural events seen in Japan."
Dr Weightman will deliver his full report on the impact of Fukushima in September 2011.