Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Atomic energy definition

What does Atomic energy mean? Atomic energy (more commonly ‘nuclear energy’) in legal practice refers to energy from nuclear reactions—principally fission (splitting heavy atomic nuclei such as uranium or plutonium) and, prospectively, fusion (joining light nuclei at high temperatures). The expression appears in older UK statutes (for example, the Atomic Energy Authority Acts); modern legislation and regulators use ‘nuclear’. It is a descriptive term; where a statute defines it, that definition governs. Its significance is that activities involving atomic/nuclear energy engage specialist regimes on: nuclear site licensing and reactor operation (Office for Nuclear Regulation), nuclear safeguards and security, transport of radioactive material, environmental permitting...

1986 Convention on Assistance in Nuclear or Radiological Emergencies: Key Provisions, IAEA Role, Immunities, Liability and UK Implementation

Published by a LexisNexis Energy expert

Practice notes

Issue Details

Name: 1986 Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency (Convention on Assistance)
Parties: 131 (including 4 non–State parties, 57 signatories)
Place: Vienna
Adopted: 26 September 1986
Entry into force: 26 February 1987
Subject: International assistance and support in the event of a nuclear accident or radiological emergency

What is the purpose of the Convention on Assistance?

To allow rapid assistance and encourage international co‑operation when confronted with a nuclear or radiological emergency. The Convention is based on the International Atomic energy Agency guidelines titled Guidelines for Mutual Emergency Assistance Arrangements in Connection with a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency (1984). It sets a framework through which help can be requested and provided.

What are the key elements of the Convention on Assistance?

Key articles

Article 2: A State Party may request assistance either:

directly from another State Party; or
through the IAEA.

It should be noted that the accident or emergency for which aid is sought does not have to occur within the Territory or under the jurisdiction of the requesting State. When submitting a request for assistance, a State must provide details on the nature and...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Web page updated on 22/05/2026

Popular documents

Using the Judicial College Guidelines to assess general damages in personal injury claims

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Tomlin orders in England and Wales: CPR guidance on drafting, confidentiality, approval, variation, enforcement, limitation, CCA issues, court-specific requirements, sample wording and precedents

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Precedent: Deed of Surrender of Lease with Optional Premium, Settlement and Release, Landlord, Mortgagee and Guarantor Consents, Reimbursement and HM Land Registry Provisions (England and Wales)

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Precedent Statutory Declaration: Standard Wording under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...