Cumbria gets its chance to influence policy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BRITAIN'S first public hearing on government nuclear waste disposal policy will be held in Cumbria early next month, writes Tom Wilkie.
A study group set up by the Department of the Environment will investigate how sites for disposing of radioactive waste are selected and the safety standards which ought to apply. The investigation and the public hearing underscore concerns by the Environment Minister, Robert Atkins, that government policy should carry public confidence.
The members of the study group will be drawn from two powerful committees of independent experts: the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee, which reports to the Department of the Environment, and the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Nuclear Installations, which, through the Health and Safety Executive, advises the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate.
Among the local councils and groups invited to make presentations will be Copeland Borough Council, Gosforth Parish Council, CORE (Cumbrians Opposed to a Radioactive Environment), Friends of the Earth and trade unions representing the nuclear industry in West Cumbria.
The hearing has been organised at the behest of Cumbria County Council. John Burnet, chief executive, said: 'We are delighted that the department has agreed to our request to hold a special hearing here in the county. I am sure the Cumbrian perspective will help them in reaching their conclusions.'
Sir John Knill, the chairman of the joint study group, said: 'Cumbria is at the forefront of these issues . . . I and my colleagues very much welcome the opportunity to hear the views of the county at first hand.'
The group is expected to report to the environment department by the end of October.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments