International dimensions of the implications of the Chernobyl accident for the United Kingdom

The Chernobyl event focused attention on the international regulatory system applying to nuclear power and on ways in which events in one country affect the situation in others. In particular, Chernobyl concentrated on the international reporting system for incidents and cooperations to minimise their effects, arrangements for liability for effects from an incident in one country which affect others, differing national liability arrangements for nuclear incidents, differing national and international standards for allowed radioactivity levels in food, public awareness and response to incidents and a general awareness of the international implications of nuclear power. These aspects are discussed with reference to the international agency concerned with particular emphasis on the implications for the United Kingdom. (author)