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.
Share and Cite:
Kaddour-Trea, A. (2022) Nuclear Power Policy in the UK since 2010: Multiple-Elitism or Neo-Pluralism?.
Open Journal of Political Science,
12, 578-611. doi:
10.4236/ojps.2022.124032.
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