The KIMO network in the United Kingdom was formed in 1991 shortly after the establishment of KIMO International. The main issue for the network in the early years was the reprocessing of nuclear material at Dounreay and Sellafield and considerable success has been achieved in this area. KIMO UK’s lobbying, along with others, has resulted in the closure of Dounreay, a 90% reduction in emissions of Tc 99 and a considerable reduction in discharge allowances for nuclear plants across the board.

Maritime safety is also an important issue and the network was involved in the Lord Donaldson enquiry and was instrumental in ensuring that the National Contingency Plan was extended to cover all types of pollution not just oil. The disposal of oil installations in the North Sea has also been an area where KIMO UK has campaigned against threatening proposals such as the dumping of the Brent Spar oil platform.

Current issues being considered by the network include the provision of Emergency Towing Vessels in Scotland, transport of nuclear material by sea and marine litter. The UK Coordinator is a member of the Scottish Marine Litter Strategy Steering Group.