Trade body the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) has given a cautious welcome to news that the Government will introduce new post-Brexit safety laws for the atomic industry in the Queen's Speech.

The Nuclear Safeguards Bill will create a new regime for nuclear regulation and safeguards after the UK leaves Euratom - the European Atomic Energy Community, responsible for nuclear safety and security in Europe since 1957.

This Bill will give the Office for Nuclear Regulation powers to take on the role and responsibilities to meet international safeguards and nuclear non-proliferation obligations.

Tom Greatrex, the NIA's chief executive, warned the Government against "complacency", adding the the Government must make sure jobs are protected.

He said: “Laying a Nuclear Safeguards Bill before Parliament may be a necessary legislative step to enabling the Office for Nuclear Regulation to take on safeguarding inspection responsibilities if the UK ceases to be part of Euratom. However, Government should not be so complacent to assume this alone gets close to resolving the issues they have created."

“In a week when the Chancellor has said leaving the EU should be done in a way that minimises the impact on jobs, growth and economic activity, the UK Government must ensure this is the case," he added.

"If they are absolutely wedded to leaving Euratom, there must be transitional arrangements in place to prevent a damaging cliff-edge in 21 months’ time. Even at this late stage, seeking to negotiate a way to retain membership of Euratom is an infinitely preferable outcome. For a minority Government to announce a Bill, with no prior consultation, is largely symbolic and leaves much work to do.”

Earlier this year, Copeland MP Trudy Harrison said her constituency would be an ideal base for any post-Brexit nuclear safety organisation.