Speaking following the publication of the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce report on 24 November 2025, President of the Nuclear Institute Professor Fiona Rayment OBE FREng FRSE FNucI said:
“We strongly welcome the publication of the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce's full report and support its 47 recommendations. We welcome the focus on increasing efficiency and simplification of regulation whilst retaining its rigour and proportionality and urge the Government to implement the recommendations at pace and with resolve.
The UK nuclear energy sector is at a pivotal moment, with investment in ambitious new build projects like Sizewell C and the delivery of a small modular reactor at Wylfa announced this year. What we need now is swift action that unlocks faster project delivery and fosters innovation to ensure nuclear energy security as well as defence resilience.
Importantly, these reforms promise benefits for the taxpayer and consumer. By streamlining regulatory bodies, consents, reducing overlaps in environmental and planning processes, and addressing capacity gaps, the report highlights potential for substantial cost savings over the programme lifetimes. The plans highlight ways to reinvigorate older sites that are in the process of decommissioning to expand the availability of land for new nuclear projects.
Directing resources more effectively into safety and technological advancements will also position the UK as a global leader in innovative nuclear technology.
We particularly welcome the development of skills and knowledge in the sector across all disciplines but most especially those much sought-after technical areas. We already work closely with industry bodies and our members to ensure these skills are developed and inculcated throughout the industry and will continue to do so in line with the report’s recommendations.
As a professional body, through the Nuclear Professionalism Standard, we ensure that members across the sector consistently uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety culture, professional ethics, and personal responsibility, which will be key to delivering these recommendations.
Representing nuclear experts across industry, academia, and government, we look forward to playing our part to turn these recommendations into delivery to ensure the nuclear sector delivers secure, affordable, low-carbon energy and robust defence measures.”
For more information and interview opportunities, please contact Arianne Smart on 07435 763384 or arianne.smart@distinctivecomms.co.uk.
Notes to editors
This statement is intended for use in response to the publication of the government’s Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce report: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/taskforce-calls-for-radical-reset-of-nuclear-regulation-in-uk
About the Nuclear Institute
The Nuclear Institute is the professional membership body dedicated to nuclear - advancing knowledge, education, and professional development at all levels across the nuclear industry with over 5,500 members. By connecting experts, institutions, and the next generation of innovators, the Institute plays a central role in shaping a sustainable and secure future powered by nuclear technology.
The Nuclear Institute maintains the professional standards of nuclear and helps the careers of its members through continued learning, networking and professional registration. The Nuclear Institute contributes to public understanding of nuclear energy through government consultations, public lectures, resources and school visits throughout the UK.
The Nuclear Institute Policy Committee regularly considers current government and wider issues of nuclear policy and provided responses to the Regulatory Taskforce calls for evidence and interim report.