Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority is a non-departmental public body that has been created to oversee Britain's "nuclear legacy". To spin their case, the NDA has brought in high profile PR experts who are used to fighting controversial schemes. The NDA has hired Jon Phillips, the ex-head of communications for Heathrow Airport be be its head of Comms. Phillips led BAA's successful campaign for a fifth terminal at Heathrow and is reported to be earning £70,000 to push the pro-nuclear spin. He is heading a ten person team based in London.

PR team

The NDA also has a PR team based in Cumbria headed by Bill Hamilton ex- director at Grayling and public affairs director at Safeway, and recently group public affairs director for Transport for London.

Bell Pottinger

The NDA has hired Bell Pottinger Communications to run its PR led by Chime Communications division chairman Kevin Murray. Also involved are Bell Pottinger Public Affairs director Tim Walker and Corporate & Financial director Mark Herbert. The account is said to be worth £100,000.

References

• 1. Ravi Chandiramani (2005) Lib Dem Election Chief Nets Tfl Job, PR Week, 12 August, p1.

• 2. Ravi Chandiramani (2005) Nuclear Clean-Up Body Brings In Bell Pottinger, PR Week, 8 July, p2.