Policy Announcements, Monday 25 June

Government 

• Proposals for the way in which a site will be chosen for the long-term disposal of higher activity radioactive waste were today published for public consultation by the UK Government and the devolved administrations in Wales and Northern Ireland. The consultation is seeking views on the technical aspects of designing and delivering a disposal facility for higher-activity radioactive waste, and on the process and criteria to be used in deciding where the future facility should be located. Based on the recommendation of the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM), the Government announced last year that geological disposal, coupled with safe and secure interim storage, is the way forward for the long-term management of the UK's higher activity radioactive wastes.

Conservatives

• David Cameron has said the Conservatives will offer "an exciting and inspiring alternative" to Gordon Brown.  As the new Labour leader prepares to take office this week, his Tory counterpart used an interview on Monday to say he was "looking forward to the challenge". While promosing to hold the new government to account, Cameron pledged a "relentlessly positive agenda" in contrast to "a government that I believe has failed". Amid signs of a 'Brown bounce', a new opinion poll at the weekend showed the Conservatives losing their lead over Labour among those certain to vote at the next general election, which speculation suggests could be as early as next year.