Japan
A top Japanese official promised the chief of the UN nuclear watchdog that the country will not develop nuclear weapons.
Interactive Investor 1st December 2006
Trident
Blair will himself make a statement to the Commons on Monday, explaining the decision to buy a new weapons system rather than extend the life of the present one.
Times 1st December 2006
However difficult it is to imagine a plausible scenario where it would be necessary to threaten, let alone use, nuclear weapons, the future is horribly uncertain. This is therefore an essential insurance policy.
FT 1st Dec 2006
Letter from RUSI: Colin Brown (27 November) highlights Dr Hans Blix’s call for nuclear powers to do more to eliminate their arsenals under their obligations to the 1968 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Article VI, while stating that signatories should undertake to pursue “negotiations … on effective measures” designed to halt the nuclear arms race and enable nuclear powers to disarm, does not commit individual nations to make unilateral reductions.
Independent 1st Dec 2006
Tony Blair is preparing to cut stockpiles of nuclear weapons when the Government presses ahead with plans to replace Britain’s Trident missile system. Ministers are expected to indicate that Britain will reduce its nuclear arsenal to reaffirm its commitment to the arms control process despite ordering a new generation of atomic weapons.
Independent 1st Dec 2006
The government will announce its decision on Monday on the future of its nuclear arsenal, officials said on Thursday, and analysts said it would probably back new or updated submarine-launched missiles.
Reuters 30th Nov 2006
The Sun 30th Nov 2006
Belgium
A study commissioned by the Belgian energy ministry has concluded that a major review of current energy policy, including nuclear phase out, is required in order to meet other policy objectives, such as environmental goals.
Modern Power Systems 30th Nov 2006
Nuclear Engineering International 30th Nov 2006
Europe
European ministers have managed to reach a preliminary consensus on boosting renewable energy within the EU at a recent meeting. However, a number of countries object to binding renewable energy targets until agreement can be reached on the treatment of other low-carbon generation, notably nuclear.
Nuclear Engineering International 30th Nov 2006
New Nukes
The ownership and operation of nuclear power plants can have a significant effect on the risk profile and credit ratings of US utilities, a new report from credit ratings agency Fitch says.
Nuclear Engineering International 30th Nov 2006
GE and Hitachi have signed a letter of intent to negotiate the formation of a global alliance that will combine their new nuclear power plant and services businesses.
Nuclear Engineering International 30th Nov 2006
Charles Clarke told IPPR that he is highly doubtful about the case for a new generation of reactors. The combined problems of safty, waste management and the threat of terrorism make nuclear power different to other climate change solutions.
Independent 1st Dec 2006