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25/10/2006
Miliband announces Britain's radioactive waste is to be buried
Environment Secretary David Miliband has told the House of Commons that Britain is to bury its radioactive waste.
Mr Miliband accepted recommendations by the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM) that nuclear waste should be dumped deep underground.
Disposal sites would be built in 'in a geologically suitable area' and no community would be forced to take one.
Local councils are to be invited to volunteer to have a nuclear dump in their area. Those chosen will benefit from multi-million pound investment.
The Environment Minister told MPs: "We have made it clear that we are not seeking to impose radioactive waste on any community.
"Governments of all parties have struggled to develop a long term approach to this issue.
"I believe my statement today combines scientific rigour and clear accountability."
Nathan Argent, nuclear campaigner for Greenpeace, commented on the decision: "There's already enough nuclear waste in this country to fill the Albert Hall five times over.
"CoRWM's report clearly states that burying waste in a hole in the ground is not a sure-fire solution to deal with this enormous problem."
Mr Miliband said the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, accountable to the independent regulators, would be responsible for the process and not radioactive waste management group Nirex as was originally thought.
Shadow enviroment secretary Peter Ainsworth said there was a potential conflict of interest in giving responsibility to an authority which owns facilities.
The CoRWM report, published in July, said waste would need to be buried at least 500m (1, 640ft) below the surface.
The CoRWM recognise that public resistance would be an obstacle and urged the government to seek 'public willingness'.
(DS)
Mr Miliband accepted recommendations by the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM) that nuclear waste should be dumped deep underground.
Disposal sites would be built in 'in a geologically suitable area' and no community would be forced to take one.
Local councils are to be invited to volunteer to have a nuclear dump in their area. Those chosen will benefit from multi-million pound investment.
The Environment Minister told MPs: "We have made it clear that we are not seeking to impose radioactive waste on any community.
"Governments of all parties have struggled to develop a long term approach to this issue.
"I believe my statement today combines scientific rigour and clear accountability."
Nathan Argent, nuclear campaigner for Greenpeace, commented on the decision: "There's already enough nuclear waste in this country to fill the Albert Hall five times over.
"CoRWM's report clearly states that burying waste in a hole in the ground is not a sure-fire solution to deal with this enormous problem."
Mr Miliband said the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, accountable to the independent regulators, would be responsible for the process and not radioactive waste management group Nirex as was originally thought.
Shadow enviroment secretary Peter Ainsworth said there was a potential conflict of interest in giving responsibility to an authority which owns facilities.
The CoRWM report, published in July, said waste would need to be buried at least 500m (1, 640ft) below the surface.
The CoRWM recognise that public resistance would be an obstacle and urged the government to seek 'public willingness'.
(DS)
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Plans for the long-term management of UK nuclear waste have been unveiled by the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM). The Committee assessed fifteen options for managing nuclear waste, assessing the risks to human health, the environment and the security of the waste.
30 January 2013
Cumbria County Council Veto Nuclear Waste Facility
Cumbria County Council has rejected a proposed £12bn underground nuclear waste store. The council vetoed any further investigation, “Stage 4”, of sites for the radioactive waste facility. “Stage 4” would have included detailed geological investigations and discussions over the social and economic implications.
Cumbria County Council Veto Nuclear Waste Facility
Cumbria County Council has rejected a proposed £12bn underground nuclear waste store. The council vetoed any further investigation, “Stage 4”, of sites for the radioactive waste facility. “Stage 4” would have included detailed geological investigations and discussions over the social and economic implications.
08 May 2008
Food Waste Costs £10 Billion, Says Report
A report launched today reveals that consumers are dumping 6.7 million tonnes of food every year in England and Wales. The Food We Waste report - believed to be the first of its kind in the world - consisted of a detailed survey of households and a physical analysis of their waste.
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02 April 2007
No charges over bird flu outbreak
Bernard Matthews will not face charges over the outbreak of bird flu at one of its plants, the Food Standards Agency has announced. Following an investigation, the FSA said that there was no evidence that food waste at the site in Holton, Suffolk, had been stored inappropriately.
No charges over bird flu outbreak
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18 January 2005
England on course to meet recycling target
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Margaret Beckett, has said that England is recycling more household waste than ever. Speaking at a meeting of the Associated Parliamentary Waste Group, Mrs Beckett said that England was on course to meet its national and composting target of 17% in 2003/04.
England on course to meet recycling target
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Margaret Beckett, has said that England is recycling more household waste than ever. Speaking at a meeting of the Associated Parliamentary Waste Group, Mrs Beckett said that England was on course to meet its national and composting target of 17% in 2003/04.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
