Overview

This bill aims to significantly restrict the transportation of nuclear weapons within the UK, primarily prohibiting it except under very specific circumstances related to decommissioning. Strict regulations and oversight are included to ensure safety and transparency.

Description

The Transport of Nuclear Weapons Bill prohibits the movement of Defence Nuclear Materials (DNM) within the UK, defined as any nuclear material used in the creation, maintenance, or deployment of weapons under the Ministry of Defence's responsibility. Transportation is defined as movement beyond a material's initial storage location. However, an exception is made for the transportation of DNM solely for decommissioning purposes.

Permitted Transportation: Transportation for decommissioning – converting military nuclear material to non-military use or disposal – requires:

• A statement from the Secretary of State to Parliament detailing the specific movement.
• Independent observers from local authorities accompanying the transport.
• Avoiding routes near schools and hospitals (within 0.2 km).
• Transportation only during daylight hours.
• A three-week prior notice to the Defence Select Committee.
• A 14-day report to the Defence Select Committee on any incidents causing health and safety risks.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. However, implementing the new regulations, including oversight, independent observers, and reporting mechanisms, will likely incur additional costs for the government.

Groups Affected

• Ministry of Defence: Significant changes to their operations regarding the handling and transportation of nuclear materials.
• Local Authorities: Responsible for appointing independent observers for permitted decommissioning transports.
• Communities near transport routes: Increased scrutiny of transportation plans and potential impact on local safety due to regulations.
• Defence Select Committee: Increased responsibility for overseeing reporting and potential incident investigations.
• Public: Increased transparency and oversight around the handling of nuclear weapons, potentially leading to heightened awareness of related risks.

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