F30: European Atomic Energy Community

Submitted by 12 members

Mover: Catherine Bearder MEP | Summator: Layla Moran MP

Application: Federal

Full text of the motion:

Conference notes with concern:

1. The UK Government’s commitment to withdraw from the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) Treaty without a mandate to do so, and the impact this will have on scientific development, nuclear safety and the UK’s electricity generation.
2. The Government’s ideological opposition to the role of the European Court of Justice as the court of arbitration as the reason for their withdrawal from EURATOM.
3. The negative effects that exit from EURATOM would have on the safety of UK nuclear industry and healthcare provision, including the management of radioactive waste, the movement of nuclear materials and the UK’s influence in the continued progress of nuclear expertise globally.
4. The implications on the UK’s ability to promote scientific innovation and industrial competitiveness, particularly in the development of future fusion power plants.
5. The UK’s high reliance on nuclear power for electricity generation Monday and the impact of withdrawing from EURATOM on operational costs, the maintenance on reactors and movement of nuclear materials.

Conference reaffirms:

1. The Liberal Democrat commitment to maintaining a close relationship with our European partners in the areas of scientific research and nuclear regulation and development.
2. The Liberal Democrat 2017 Manifesto pledge to remain within the EURATOM Treaty.
3. The most effective way to ensure that the UK’s position as a world leader in nuclear energy and security is to remain within the EURATOM Treaty.

Conference calls for:

1. The UK Government to remain a full member of the EURATOM Treaty and to re-join the current renegotiations of the EURATOM Treaty.
2. Liberal Democrat Parliamentarians to press Labour Parliamentarians to join with them to uphold their manifesto commitment to remain a member of EURATOM and hold the Government to account on their plans to withdraw.