UK nuclear emergency planning after the Hinkley Point Public Inquiries

In his report on the Hinkley Point Public Inquiries, Michael Barnes QC endorsed the concept of a reference accident as the basis for nuclear emergency plans, together with the ability to extend those plans in the event of a beyond design basis accident. He found evidence to give reasons to believe that adequate plans existed, but made a number of recommendations for actions by which good planning and public confidence could be enhanced. This paper outlines the response which has been made to date to some of those recommendations which are of more general application. (author)