Nuclear Power Policy in the UK since 2010: Multiple-Elitism or Neo-Pluralism?

Abstract

This study presents an analysis of nuclear power policy in the UK since 2010, associated with the Coalition government and successive Conservative government policies to address climate change and to deliver affordable and clean energy. From the analysis of semi-structured interviews with elite participants and the policy documents, this study explores in detail nuclear power policy in the UK since 2010. It applies two theories of policy process to explore the policy continuity and change in this area: multiple-elitism and neo-pluralism. In this case study continuity is a feature in nuclear power policy domain. The case study reveals battles between environmental NGOs, business groups and the government to change policy directions. Countervailing power associated with neo-pluralist theory emerged significantly to oppose special interests emphasised by multiple-elite theory. This countervailing power appeared in different forms: the emergence of social movements in nuclear power policy area, and the communication between different actors on the issue of nuclear power in an issue network. Nuclear power emerged as a privileged technology in the energy mix. It enjoyed government and business support, and key elite positions were found to advocate for this technology despite some opposition. Overall, a combination of multiple-elitist and neo-pluralist features were found in the policies pertaining nuclear power policy in the UK since 2010.