The UK Government is to establish a domestic nuclear safeguards regime to help deliver to existing standards as the nation leaves the EU.

It aims to ensure the UK continues to maintain it position as a responsible nuclear state and withdrawal from the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) doesn’t weaken future safeguards standards.

Business and Energy Minister Greg Clark said the new regime will deliver to existing Euratom standards and exceed the standard that the international community would require from the UK as a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

He added the government will be exploring a number of options for “smooth transition” from the current Euratom regime to a domestic one.

The news follows the nuclear industry’s concerns that investment and operations could be hampered if Britain fails to replicate the regulatory regime provided by Euratom.

Mr Clark said: “International oversight will be a key part of the future regime.

“The UK is seeking to conclude new agreements with the IAEA retains right to inspect all civil nuclear facilities and continue to receive all current safeguards reporting, ensuring that international verification of our safeguards activity continues to be robust.”