New nuclear,new security? Framing security in the policy case for new nuclear power in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Over the period of the past decade and across successive governments, the case for new nuclear power in the UK has, in policy terms, become embedded as a key facet of UK energy policy. Crucial in this respect, this article argues, has been the framing of the case for nuclear power stations and associated infrastructure in security terms: that is, the case for new nuclear power has come to be articulated and reiterated in direct relation to future energy provision and climate change as key impending ‘security challenges’ faced by the UK. This article assesses the political significance and effects of framing nuclear power in security terms. In particular, it focuses on how the specific and ‘performative’ framing of new nuclear power in relation to security has the political effect of narrowly defining and delimiting the ways in which security – and nuclear insecurities – can be articulated and understood.