Cumbria's nuclear site continues to be in the spotlight after reports suggested that IT systems had been hacked by groups linked to foreign governments earlier this month. 

In an article published on December 4, the Guardian newspaper claimed Sellafield had been hacked into by 'cyber groups linked to Russia and China' after a year-long investigation into the nuclear and decommissioning site. 

Shadow Secretary of State of Climate Change and Net Zero, Ed Milliband, has since called on the government to provide assurances surrounding the site's cyber-security. 

The story received international coverage after breaking. 

Sellafield denies the allegations of safety failings made in the story, saying there are 'no records or evidence' to show such actions have taken place. 

In an article published by the BBC (December 17), the chief executive of Sellafield Euan Hutton countered the series of claims within The Guardian coverage.  

The industry regulator, Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) spokesperson confirmed there has been no evidence systems have been hacked by 'state actors in the way in which the Guardian described', despite the site not meeting 'high standards' in cyber security hence why they have been placed under 'significantly enhanced attention'. 

In a statement, they said: “As the independent regulator, we have been open about our concerns over shortfalls in a number of areas at Sellafield which is why they are under significantly enhanced regulatory attention.

"There are also complex 'legacy' waste issues, dating back many decades, which require enhanced regulatory attention, and will do for years to come.

“We have been clear that there are areas where improvements are required to achieve the high standards of safety and security we expect to see, but there is no suggestion that this is compromising public safety.

“We will continue to hold Sellafield Ltd to account to ensure these improvements are made through a range of regulatory action and enforcement, including matters which are subject to ongoing investigation processes.

“With new leadership in place at Sellafield Ltd, we have seen positive signs of improvement in recent months but will continue to apply robust regulatory scrutiny as necessary to ensure the ongoing safety of workers and the public," they said. 

The matter is still subject to an ongoing investigation.