Sir John has responded to concerns raised by residents regarding the Nuclear Regulatory Review and its potential implications for nature conservation and environmental protections.
He said he shares the strong commitment many people feel towards safeguarding the natural environment, emphasising that protecting biodiversity and ensuring responsible development must remain central as the UK transitions to cleaner and more secure sources of energy. This includes renewables such as wind, solar, hydro and ground source heat.
Sir John noted that the purpose of the Review is to examine how regulatory processes operate in practice, particularly where delays or duplication may be affecting the delivery of nationally significant infrastructure. He stressed that this does not mean environmental protections are being set aside, but acknowledged there is an ongoing debate about how best to balance nature conservation with the need for energy security, decarbonisation and economic growth.
He said that while some proposals aim to streamline processes, it is essential that reforms do not weaken safeguards for habitats and wildlife. In his view, environmental protection and economic development should not be treated as competing priorities, and well-designed infrastructure must go hand in hand with strong conservation measures.
Sir John confirmed he will follow the Government’s response to the Review closely, ensuring that any changes uphold existing commitments to protect nature while supporting the delivery of reliable, low-carbon energy.