Iran
The United Nations nuclear watchdog said in a confidential report to the Security Council last night that Tehran has been co-operating in providing the agency with information about its past activities but also conceded that its “knowledge about Iran’s current nuclear programmes is diminishing.
Independent 16th Nov 2007 more >>
FT 16th Nov 2007 more >>
Telegraph 16th Nov 2007 more >>
Scotsman 16th Nov 2007 more >>
Reuters 16th Nov 2007 more >>
The latest report from the IAEA on Iran is unlikely to stop pressure from the United States and its allies for further sanctions. But the unity of the Security Council is wearing thin and the international front against Iran could begin to split, with Russia and China becoming increasingly unwilling to take significant steps.
BBC 16th Nov 2007 more >>
FT 16th Nov 2007 more >>
The installation of 3,000 fully-functioning centrifuges at Iran’s enrichment plant at Natanz is a “red line” drawn by the US across which Washington had said it would not let Iran pass. When spinning at full speed they are capable of producing sufficient weapons-grade uranium (enriched to over 90% purity) for a nuclear weapon within a year.
Guardian 16th Nov 2007 more >>
Times 16th Nov 2007 more >>
Iran’s top nuclear negotiator has said that a new UN nuclear watchdog report proves accusations that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons are baseless and that new sanctions against the country would be wrong.
Channel 4 News 15th Nov 2007 more >>
Nuclear Weapons
Newsnight has discovered that until the early days of the Blair government the RAF’s nuclear bombs were armed by turning a bicycle lock key. There was no other security on the Bomb itself. While American and Russian weapons were protected by tamper-proof combination locks which could only be released if the correct code was transmitted, Britain relied on a simpler technology.
BBC 15th Nov 2007 more >>
Politics
Two former Labour ministers are under fire over their links with the nuclear industry. Former trade minister Ian McCartney has been appointed as an £115,000 a year adviser to US engineering giant Fluor. Former sports minister Richard Caborn is considering a role with a group bidding for nuclear clean-up contracts, among other job offers. Independent Labour MP Dai Davies has tabled a motion urging the pair to turn down the jobs as “inappropriate”. Mr Davies said he accepts MPs “often have rich experience to offer private sector firms” but he said they should not take up such jobs “so shortly after leaving the government”.
BBC 15th Nov 2007 more >>
Copeland MP Jamie Reed has described many fellow MPs’ knowledge of the nuclear industry as pathetic.
Whitehaven News 15th Nov 2007 more >>
The Northern Ireland Assembly has called on the UK Government to end all operations at Sellafield.
Whitehaven News 15th Nov 2007 more >>
Companies
Enel SpA CEO Fulvio Conti said he hopes the final agreement with EDF regarding participation in France’s EPR (European Pressurised water Reactors) nuclear project can be signed at the Italy-France bilateral summit scheduled for Nov 30.
Interactive Investor 15th Nov 2007 more >>
Swedish electric utility Vattenfall has announced that it will create a new executive post for a chief nuclear officer who will be the group’s most senior controller in nuclear safety issues and the executive group management’s nuclear expert.
Energy Business Review 15th Nov 2007 more >>
Radiation Monitoring
A deal has been brokered between SEPA and Sellafield Ltd to allow monitoring for radioactive particles to take place on the Dumfries and Galloway coast.
Carlisle News and Star 15th Nov 2007 more >>
SEPA Press Release 14th Nov 2007 more >>
Public Opinion
Public and political opinion on nuclear power generation may be improving as security of energy supply and reducing carbon emissions force their way up the political agenda. Nuclear power generation produces almost no carbon emissions and it seems that many are prepared to accept the risk of accidents and the long-term burden of nuclear waste in order to reduce carbon emissions in the short term.
Datamonitor 15th Nov 2007 more >>
Terror
The Prime Minister says we should make new develpoments terrorist proof.
Planning Portal 15th Nov 2007 more >>
Climate
The United Nations’ top climate change official warned yesterday that the world was in “deep trouble” if it failed to reach agreement at next month’s UN ministerial conference in Bali.
Guardian 16th Nov 2007 more >>
