New nukes
The Government has ruled out subsidies for nuclear power or market mechanisms such as a “nuclear obligation” requiring suppliers to buy part of their needs from nuclear stations – raising doubts as to how a new generation of reactors might be built. The nuclear lobby claims that a streamlined and shortened planning and licensing regime is all that is needed to make a new construction programme viable. But City experts believe it will require government guarantees before any private investors will put money into the nuclear industry once again.
Belfast Telegraph 24th July 2006
ALISTAIR DARLING came face to face with nuclear protesters outside his Rutland Square office. Campaigners from Friends of the Earth Scotland held the protest at the Trade and Industry Secretary’s office to highlight their concerns over his proposals to build new nuclear power stations in Scotland.
Edinburgh Evening News 24th July 2006
Letter from David Lowry on the risk of flooding at nuclear sites and one from Pete Roche on nuclear proliferation.
Independent 25th July 2006
Pakistan
THE United States has urged Pakistan not to expand its nuclear weapons programme, after a think tank claimed Islamabad was building a nuclear reactor able to fuel up to 50 atomic bombs a year.
Scotsman 25th July 2006
Pakistan appears to have embarked on a dramatic expansion of its nuclear arsenal with the construction of a new heavy water reactor capable of producing enough plutonium for up to 50 warheads a year, according to a report released yesterday by a US thinktank.
Guardian 25th July 2006
Independent 25th July 2006
Times 25th July 2006
Politics
John Harris on Gordon Brown. Brown announced his support for a renewal of Britain’s nuclear armoury and you may start to feel very miserable. indeed.
Guardian 25th July 2006