The Nuclear Free Local Authorities (NFLA) notes with real concern reports published in ‘The Guardian’, and detailed in ‘The Ferret Scotland’ investigative news agency website, that outline further disturbing findings from defence nuclear emergency planning exercises. This new information indicates to the NFLA that the defence nuclear sector is struggling to maintain its safety systems and potentially putting the public at risk. Just last month, NFLA commented on failings from a Rosyth Ministry of Defence (MOD) submarine base exercise. NFLA felt it formed part of a growing body of evidence suggesting more systemic concerns around defence site nuclear safety may require attention. NFLA called on a joint review to be held on nuclear emergency planning arrangements by the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator and the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) to allay public concern and seek significant improvements. That growing body of evidence has expanded after information has been provided to ‘The Ferret’ and published today in ‘The Guardian’ which highlights further serious failings found in three other exercises. The NFLA is also concerned that it has taken two years to release this information under the Freedom of Information Act, highlighting how the use of ‘national security’ issues is continuing to be given as a reason to prevent openness and transparency of important safety issues by the MOD.
NFLA 10th Feb 2016 read more »