Iran
Iranian hardliners are hailing the US Republican electoral defeat and Donald Rumsfeld’s downfall as a symbolic victory that lessens the risk of American military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Guardian 10th Nov 2006
Indonesia
JAKARTA (AFP) – Indonesia does not need nuclear energy as an answer to climate change or for energy security, an environmental watchdog said, after rejecting the latest IEA report. “All the associated risks (of nuclear power) when placed in an area with a volatile geological structure like Indonesia will only pose a danger to the Indonesian public,” Nur Hidayati, Greenpeace Southeast Asia campaigner, said.
Yahoo 10th Nov 2006
Nuclear weapons
France successfully shot its new M51 submarine-launched ballistic missile over the Atlantic on Thursday in its first experimental test flight, the Defense Ministry said. The missile carried no nuclear weapon for the test flight.
Guardian 10th Nov 2006
The UK has reached the time when it is necessary to examine the options associated with continuing with a strategic nuclear deterrent force. The Vanguard-class submarines will reach their planned 30-year in-service life starting in 2023; the Trident D5 missiles provided by the US will be reaching the end of their service life; and the UK-built warheads will also need refurbishment or replacement. To design, develop and build a new submarine will take around 15 years: consequently, plans need to be agreed by 2008.
Jane’s Weekly 9th Nov 2006
Ministers have revealed that the decision on the £25bn replacement of Britain’s Trident nuclear missile system is likely to be delayed until next year. There are growing suspicions among ministers that the Prime Minister is seeking to leave the decision to Gordon Brown, after his departure.
Independent 10th Nov 2006
New nukes
Moves are being made by the Government to reduce the time it takes to approve power plants, including nuclear generators. Alistair Darling, the Trade and Industry Secretary, wants to streamline the planning inquiry system by tightening time limits and limiting submissions. He said yesterday: “We need a significant amount of new investment to keep the lights on, and we want much of it to be low-carbon. The country cannot wait for it. We need a system that allows objectors to have their say, but that is also effective.”
Times 10th Nov 2006
Terror
Hundreds of young British Muslims are being radicalised, groomed and set on a path to mass murder, the head of MI5 said yesterday.
Times 10th Nov 2006
MI5 has identified 30 major terrorist plots being planned in Britain and is targeting more than 1,600 individuals actively engaged in promoting attacks here and abroad, Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller, the head of the agency, warns today. Tomorrow’s threat “may include the use of chemicals, bacteriological agents, radioactive materials, and even nuclear technology”, she said.
Guardian 10th Nov 2006
