General Atomics

Sellafield security improvements recognised by ONR

The UK's Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has returned the Sellafield site to a routine regulatory regime for physical security after a period of enhanced oversight.



Image courtesy Sellafield

Inspectors cited a sustained period of improved performance, highlighting the close working relationship between ONR inspectors and Sellafield Ltd in achieving this outcome.

Physical security at Sellafield is delivered using a wide range of assets and capabilities and through an approach that includes defence in depth and armed response. A number of physical security assets and capabilities have been improved as part of the return to routine regulatory attention.

Regulatory attention levels are set by ONR and are assigned based on the regulator’s assessment of overall performance, considering a broad range of safety and security considerations and operational issues that a site is addressing.

Gary Wilkinson, head of security and resilience at Sellafield Ltd, said: "Following an action plan over many months, we have successfully met all the requirements set by ONR.

"This is a significant achievement and has been a big team effort from across the company – thank you to everyone involved in this important achievement."

Paul Dicks, ONR’s director of regulation for Sellafield, decommissioning fuel and waste, said: "We have worked closely with Sellafield Ltd through our enabling approach to ensure that the required improvements are delivered.

"I’m satisfied that Sellafield Ltd has demonstrated significant and sustained security improvements which has allowed us to return them to routine regulatory attention."

Sellafield Ltd currently remains in significantly enhanced attention for cyber security and collaborative work is ongoing to achieve the required improvements in this area.

Related

CILT(UK) calls for coordinated UK airports strategy
Heathrow
CILT(UK) calls for coordinated UK airports strategy
In its response to the draft HENPS (Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement) consultation, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK (CILT UK) has called for the transformation that has taken place across UK aviation to be recognised with a policy fit for all UK airports, not just Heathrow.
Aerospace

7 Sep 2026

BBGA’s Lindsey Oliver honoured as Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society
Lindsey Oliver
BBGA’s Lindsey Oliver honoured as Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society
The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) has bestowed Fellowship (FRAeS) status on Lindsey Oliver, Managing Director of the British Business & General Aviation Association (BBGA), recognising her significant contribution to general and business aviation across the UK.
Aerospace

7 Sep 2026

CAA backs plan to open UK airspace to stratospheric aircraft
CAA offices Gatwick
CAA backs plan to open UK airspace to stratospheric aircraft
World Mobile Stratospheric will lead a CAA-funded project to develop the airspace framework needed for routine high-altitude aircraft operations above the UK.
UK unveils £7.8bn space strategy as threats in orbit grow
View of the UK from the International Space Station.
UK unveils £7.8bn space strategy as threats in orbit grow
The UK will invest more than £3 billion in military space capabilities under a new £7.8 billion strategy covering defence, security and connectivity.
Defence Space

8 Sep 2026

UK Army pauses non-essential training exercises amid budget pressures
British Army
UK Army pauses non-essential training exercises amid budget pressures
The British Army has paused some non-essential training exercises for UK-based units while protecting operational preparation, amid budget pressures.
Defence

7 Sep 2026

Ineos expands Team Grenadier for £2bn British Army Land Rover replacement
Ineos Grenadier for British Army LMV
Ineos expands Team Grenadier for £2bn British Army Land Rover replacement
Hobson Industries and TVS Supply Chain Solutions have joined the consortium offering a family of Grenadier-based military vehicles to the MoD.
Defence

7 Sep 2026

SaxaVord secures £60M funding to expand its launch capability
SaxaVord Spaceport, Shetland
SaxaVord secures £60M funding to expand its launch capability
Operating the only licensed vertical launch spaceport in the UK, SaxaVord is looking to advance its launch capability with fresh funding from the UK Government and private investors.
Space

8 Sep 2026

UK unveils £7.8bn space strategy as threats in orbit grow
View of the UK from the International Space Station.
UK unveils £7.8bn space strategy as threats in orbit grow
The UK will invest more than £3 billion in military space capabilities under a new £7.8 billion strategy covering defence, security and connectivity.
Defence Space

8 Sep 2026

Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
Welsh flag
Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
According to new ADS data, Wales’ aerospace, defence, security and space industries contributed £2 billion to the economy in 2025, and supported more than 18,500 highly skilled jobs.
NeuralTrust opens London office to tackle AI security risk in the UK
NeuralTrust founders Joan Vendrell (CEO), Victor Garcia (CTO) and Alejandro Domingo (COO). Photo: NeuralTrust
NeuralTrust opens London office to tackle AI security risk in the UK
As UK enterprises race to move their AI agents into production faster than most security teams can govern them, NeuralTrust has deepened its UK presence to help address the associated risks, with the opening of a new London office.
Security

8 Sep 2026

Chancellor John Healey vows to cut red tape and unlock investment in first major growth speech
John Healey stepping off a private jet
Chancellor John Healey vows to cut red tape and unlock investment in first major growth speech
Chancellor John Healey has used his first major growth speech to set out reforms covering investment, regulation, drones, AI, infrastructure and regional economic powers.
UK to launch national resilience campaign as government prepares public for emergencies
Police on patrol to protect Jewish citizens
UK to launch national resilience campaign as government prepares public for emergencies
The UK government will launch a national resilience campaign this year, encouraging households to prepare for emergencies from various threats.
Defence Security

7 Sep 2026