The Environment Council, the UK’s leading charity on stakeholder engagement for sustainable development, has published the findings of its review to understand how UK governments have engaged people about nuclear energy.

The publication of its report coincides with an online survey undertaken by the charity to gauge general opinion about engagement on nuclear energy. The findings in the survey support the key findings from The Environment Council’s review:

 “The inadequate stakeholder engagement carried out for the 2006 Energy Review has caused lasting damage to the trust some stakeholders – the public and anti-nuclear Non-Governmental organisations (NGOs) – have in Government to tell the truth about nuclear power.  Subsequent, much better, stakeholder engagement processes have not yet rebuilt this trust or convinced many stakeholders that their voices on this issue are heard by Government.”

The Environment Council’s own survey found 64% are convinced that climate change is caused by human activity. Yet, inspite of the “low carbon” selling points of nuclear power, 65% of respondents would like to understand UK nuclear energy policy more. 

The Report details extensive engagement activities carried out by successful government. However, even with all of the consultations highlighted in TEC’s report, in the online survey 75% think they have not at all been able to influence UK policy on nuclear energy. This information illustrates the huge potential for the Government to implement a more robust and authentic engagement in future.

Stakeholders’ attitudes and opinions of nuclear power are deeply held and will strongly colour their experience of any engagement exercise or consultation. But this should not discourage Government from engaging stakeholders meaningfully on the difficult and complex issues of disposal, costs and managing safety, before new nuclear expansion begins.  

Download the Report

View the Clear on Nuclear? Survey Results