I am pleased to announce today the publication of the second annual report of the Government’s managing radioactive waste safely programme. The programme is focused on implementing the geological disposal of higher activity radioactive waste.

The report shows that we are continuing to make progress across a number of key areas of work in the implementation of geological disposal, working within the underpinning principles of voluntarism and partnership with local communities. The results of a recent public opinion poll in Cumbria conducted by Ipsos Mori showed that the majority of local people surveyed were in favour of further participation in the managing radioactive waste safely (MRWS) process. This information will be carefully considered by the decision making bodies in Cumbria alongside other responses to the local consultation before a decision about participation is made.

The second annual report can be found at: http://mrws.decc.gov.uk. I have also written to the chairmen of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee and the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, and I have made available copies in the Libraries of both Houses.