Congratulations on your appointment as President of
this Conference.
The UK commends the Agency’s efforts to continue its
critical work throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and we were
pleased to contribute £500,000 to the Agency’s
provision of testing equipment to member states in real
need.
The IAEA plays
a key role in implementing the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty – a cornerstone of
international peace and security.
Having left the EU, the UK remains committed to robust
nuclear safeguards and our new bilateral agreement with
the Agency ensures this. The UK supports strengthening
the global safeguards regime, ensuring it adapts to new
challenges. I urge all states to ratify the Additional
Protocol.
The UK strongly supports the JCPOA and
is working hard to preserve the agreement given its
importance to non-proliferation and security. The UK
calls on Iran to come back into compliance with its
commitments under the JCPOA, and
we are grateful to the Director General for his
dedication in monitoring this agreement.
Mr President,
The IAEA’s role
supporting member states implement the highest
standards of nuclear safety and security is vital. I
was delighted to attend this year’s International
Conference on Nuclear Security. We must continue
working together to realise the commitments in the
Ministerial Declaration.
The UK champions access to peaceful uses of nuclear
technologies, and I am proud to pledge our contribution
of €3.9 million to the Agency’s 2021 Technical
Cooperation Fund. We encourage the IAEA to
help Least Developed Countries benefit from this
Programme and to ensure that the Agency’s work is
coordinated with the wider UN family, focussing on the
Agency’s comparative advantage, and attracts new,
non-traditional donors too.
As we look toward COP26
in Glasgow next year, we must put climate at the heart
of the recovery from COVID-19. That is why the UK has
legislated for achieving net zero carbon emissions by
2050, recognising the key role of nuclear in achieving
this ambitious goal.
We have committed £100 million to the development of
small and advanced modular nuclear reactors and
technologies, unlocking thousands of green jobs. The UK
commends DG
Grossi for his leadership on climate change and I am
pleased to announce that we will provide funding for
the IAEA’s
research into the scourge of marine plastics.
We thank the DG
for his commitment to improving gender diversity in
nuclear and are pleased to support the Marie Sklodowska
Curie Fellowship Programme.
The UK will continue to give the Secretariat, and the
Director General, our full and wholehearted, support.
Thank you very much indeed.
