PROLIFERATION
106. Nuclear proliferation is the dissemination of
technical knowledge to potentially hostile states or groups that
might in the future enable them to construct nuclear weapons.
With Iran's nuclear programme occupying the headlines in 2006,
the issue of proliferation remains a consideration when debating
the future of the UK's own civil nuclear activities. However,
there are safeguards in place to ensure there is very little risk
of proliferation resulting from information escaping or being
released from either UK sites or workers. The UK is a signatory
to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Euratom Treaty. International
safeguards are also in place to detect and discourage the diversion
of nuclear materials to weapons use.[153]
107. If the UK were to go ahead with a new generation
of nuclear power stations, it is unlikely this in itself would
present a significant increase in the risk of proliferation, assuming
OCNS is able to maintain its current standards in vetting procedures.
Indeed, this is acknowledged in the Government's Energy Review
consultation document.[154]
Nevertheless, in its evidence to us, the Sustainable Development
Commission noted that the risk associated with the proliferation
of nuclear technology around the world remains an extremely important
issue.[155] In particular
it noted that, if nuclear power is to be part of the UK's solution
to climate change, then, under the United Nations framework Convention
on Climate Change (UNFCC), it could be considered a suitable solution
for all countries.[156]
However, we note that, whatever the UK decides, countries with
large nuclear programmes, such as France, Japan and the United
States, are likely to continue with their policy of developing
nuclear power. Nevertheless, due regard should be given to the
political message that a decision in favour of new nuclear build
in the UK would send to those countries it is seeking to discourage
from developing their own nuclear programmes.
108. The importance of security and the risks
of proliferation are of the utmost concern to the Government in
protecting its citizens. As such, it is vital for the UK civil
nuclear industry to adhere to international treaties and uphold
the highest regulatory standards. While these considerations should
not be neglected in the debate on new nuclear power stations in
the UK, we do not believe that such a programme would pose a significant
additional security or proliferation risk, although by definition
it extends the period of that risk. However, we accept, too, that
there are ethical considerations to take account of in this debate,
and that the UK's position should not necessarily be determined
on the basis of the relative risk any programme would present.
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