Prospect rep’s ongoing battle to save Trawsfynydd
Paul Richardson, Prospect’s Nuclear Restoration Services rep at its Trawsfynydd site in North Wales, writes about his ongoing battle to stop the company from wasting time, money and jobs by abandoning the dismantling of the reactors at the facility.
Paul’s campaign, which has taken him to the corridors of power in Parliament and to meetings with senior executives of the Nuclear Decomissioning Authority, is not yet fully won but there are cautious reasons for optimism.
Paul Richardson at Trawsfynydd
In January 2025, Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) Trawsfynydd staff were informed that the planned dismantling of the Reactor Pressure Vessels (the cores) of the sites twin reactors, would cease in March 2027. This announcement caused Trawsfynydd Sites workforce great concern. Trawsfynydd’s decommissioning project is a decade ahead of other legacy Magnox reactor sites and stands on the brink of commencing its final phase—reactor core dismantling.
The livelihoods of hundreds of highly skilled workers—friends and colleagues who have devoted the majority of their working lives to fulfilling the mission of completely dismantling the Trawsfynydd site—are now at risk, and that mission may remain incomplete. More than £20 million already invested in reactor core dismantling scheme designs could be wasted.
In just over five years, following the height reduction of the twin reactor buildings, the site could potentially close, leaving the height reduced structures and their radioactive cores standing in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park for generations—a broken promise to the workforce, the local communities, and the UK taxpayer.
I’m just one person, but I couldn’t sit back and watch that happen.
Starting small
I didn’t begin with a grand strategy. I started by doing what was within my reach: writing letters, making telephone calls, and speaking to anyone willing to listen. I approached Liz Saville-Roberts, the local Member of Parliament, the local council, Snowdonia National Park Authority, and community leaders, explaining what was at stake:
- Preserving current jobs and maintaining a skills and employment pipeline for the next 20 to 30 years.
- A chance to deliver to the taxpayer, the UK Government’s commitment to dismantle its earliest nuclear sites safely, securely, and sustainably, with care for the environment and adjacent communities.
- Ensuring the UK remains a global leader in civil nuclear site clean-up and land restoration.
I wasn’t sure if I could make a difference, but I knew I had to try.
NDA consultation
In July 2025 the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) published ‘NDA group Strategy 5’ for public consultation. The strategy advocated continuous reactor dismantling at Trawsfynydd. I responded to the consultation on behalf of the Trawsfynydd workforce and concluded with the following statement:
‘The inclusion of continuous reactor dismantling at Trawsfynydd in Strategy 5 is not merely a strategic choice—it is a national imperative. The incalculable value that RD will deliver to the UK taxpayer, through cost certainty, programme optimisation, and long-term savings, makes it one of the most important undertakings in the NDA’s portfolio. Its success will set the benchmark for future reactor dismantling projects across the UK, ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and effectively while delivering environmental and socio-economic benefits for generations to come.
Furthermore, it will reinforce the NDA’s commitment to policy, transparency, sustainability, and strategic excellence in managing the UK’s nuclear legacy.’
Taking the fight to Westminster
By October, I found myself in Parliament at a joint Trade Union ‘‘What A Waste’’ event, standing in front of members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Nuclear Energy. I told them the truth: stopping Trawsfynydd reactor dismantling would not only devastate North Wales and waste taxpayer money, but it would also be a national failure. I didn’t go there to make headlines—I went because our members and communities deserved someone to speak up. The response was incredible. People listened. They cared.
A step forward — but not the finish line
In November, I arranged a meeting at Trawsfynydd with senior strategists from the NDA. The purpose was to ensure clarity and support for continuous reactor dismantling at Trawsfynydd. During the meeting the NDA reaffirmed its commitment to Trawsfynydd reactor dismantling.
- Trawsfynydd will continue to serve as the “lead-and-learn” site for reactor dismantling, reinforcing its role as a benchmark for best practice in the sector.
- The Government had provided clear backing and dedicated funding for accelerated progress at Trawsfynydd, demonstrating national support for timely delivery.
- Failure to achieve reactor dismantling at Trawsfynydd would undermine the NDA’s credibility and jeopardise future funding opportunities across the wider estate, making success critical for the industry.
Those words matter. They show that what I’m fighting for isn’t just local—it’s national, and it aligns with NDA policy.
But here’s the reality: In January 2025, NRS informed staff that the Reactor Dismantling Project at Trawsfynydd would come to an end. It remains scheduled to cease, and no further communication has been issued to staff indicating any change. Therefore, I will not stop either.
What I’ve learned
- Being a rep matters. You don’t need to be the loudest voice—you just need to care enough to act.
- You can make a difference. From local meetings to Parliament, persistence pays off.
- Giving up is not an option. Until NRS confirms dismantling will continue, I’ll keep going.
Why You Should Step Up
This isn’t just about NRS or Trawsfynydd. It’s about what trade union activism can achieve anywhere. When you become a rep, you protect jobs, communities, and promises made to workers. You make sure decisions aren’t taken behind closed doors. You fight for fairness—and sometimes, you win.
If you’re a rep, keep going. If you’re thinking about becoming one, do it. One voice can start a fight. Many voices can win it. And when we stand together, giving up is never an option.
