Nuclear energy without proliferation

17 Mar 2009

Gordon Brown has called for a 'global nuclear bargain for our times' to balance the twin needs of securing civil nuclear power for all nations and avoiding nuclear proliferation.

Gordon Brown has called for a 'global nuclear bargain for our times' to balance the twin needs of securing civil nuclear power for all nations and avoiding nuclear proliferation.

The Prime Minister delivered his speech at the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Conference at Lancaster House in London on 17 March 2009.

The PM said a multilateral system was needed to help non-nuclear states acquire new sources of energy because the world will not meet the challenges of climate change without the wider use of civil nuclear power.

He said:

"We must invest in all sources of carbon energy - energy efficiency, renewables, carbon capture and storage, and nuclear power. Given the scale of global emissions reductions required and the likely costs, no cost-effective low carbon technology must be off-limits."

Gordon Brown also spoke about the need for a 'new philosophy' for the right to civil nuclear power, but emphasised there would be tough sanctions for rule breakers.

Citing Iran as a test case, the PM said that Iran faced a 'clear choice' to continue with its nuclear programme and face further sanctions, or to change to a UN overseen civil nuclear energy programme.

Mr Brown repeated the offer for Iran to take advantage of the international community’s willingness to engage and to 'work with us, rather than against us on this.'

Gordon Brown affirmed the UK’s own commitment to working with other countries on nuclear issues, through the 'Road to 2010' plan.

Published this summer, the plan will contain detailed proposals on civil nuclear power, disarmament and non-proliferation, fissile material security and the role and development of the International Atomic Energy Agency.