The performance of the UK’s nuclear industry was “good overall” in 2022-2023, but not as strong as expected in some specific areas, where outcomes were “variable” and issues were apparent in relation to cyber security, the chief nuclear inspector Mark Foy said in his annual report.

“While overall performance was strong and there have been proportionate improvements in some key areas, there has also been an increase in the number of events and issues reported on some sites,” the report said.

“Despite these specific issues, which we are addressing with dutyholders, most of our inspections confirmed good levels of compliance, an indication that the high standards of safety, security, and safeguards we expect were met,” the ONR said.

According to the report, nuclear site health and safety will remain a priority focus for ONR and the industry for 2023/24, alongside the “emerging key theme” of cyber security. “We expect to see industry-wide improvements in these two areas during the year ahead,” Foy said.