Nuclear Weapons
An amazing and important commentary appeared in the January 4, 2007 issue of the Wall Street Journal, co-authored by four high-level architects of the Cold War: George Shultz, William Perry, Henry Kissinger and Sam Nunn. The article, entitled “A World Free of Nuclear Weapons,” was amazing not so much for what it proposed, but for who was making the proposal. The four prominent former US officials reviewed current nuclear dangers and called for US leadership to achieve the abolition of nuclear weapons.
One World 6th Jan 2007
Climate
Hundreds of local councils across the UK are ignoring the threat of climate change and taking no action to address the rising carbon emissions of their residents, a Guardian survey suggests. Only a handful of councils polled said they were taking significant steps to tackle greenhouse gas pollution, with half admitting they had no plans to encourage more environmentally friendly behaviour. The survey results come just weeks after Ian Pearson, climate change minister, claimed local authorities were at the forefront of the country’s
efforts to combat climate change.
Guardian 3rd Jan 2007
When, just before Christmas, Uttlesford district council in Essex gave climate change as one reason for turning down plans for a huge expansion of Stansted airport, it showed how even the smallest of local authorities can man the barricades in the battle for the planet. And it is not alone; a survey by the Guardian has found that councils across the country are taking
steps to cut CO2 emissions and prepare for the impact of climate change. Ever wondered which are Britain’s best performing councils on green issues? Ponder no more, we name the top 10
Guardian 3rd Jan 2007
THORP
THREE German companies have launched a High Court case to prevent British Nuclear Group from claiming back the cost of the radioactive leak at Thorp from them. British Nuclear Group Sellafield was fined half a million pounds last year after admitting a radioactive leak, the size of a lorryload of thallium, and 160 kgs of plutonium. Now German power station company E.ON Kernkraft and two related companies fear that British Nuclear Group is trying to pass on the cost of the fine to them, as well as massively increased costs resulting from the
radioactive leak.
Whitehaven News, 4th Jan 2007
THE Nuclear Decommissioning Authority is hoping its insurers will pay the millions of pounds it will cost to “fix” Thorp. The reprocessing plant has been shut since April 2005 following a massive radioactive liquor leak. It might not reopen until April 2007 at the earliest
Whitehaven News, 28th December2006
North Korea
The United States on Friday warned North Korea of “severe consequences” to the diplomatic effort to end its nuclear programs if Pyongyang conducts a second atomic test.
Reuters 6th Jan 2007
ITN 5th Jan 2007
Shinzo Abe, the Japanese Prime Minister, said that Japan and the international community would respond with strong steps if North Korea conducted a second nuclear test. He added that it was important to make efforts to resume six-party talks on North Korea’s nuclear programme as soon as possible.
Times 6th Jan 2007
Iran
Chinese President Hu Jintao has called on Iran to make a serious response to the international community’s concern over its nuclear programme.
BBC 5th Jan 2007
Chapelcross
ANNANDALE residents are being asked to air their views about the legacy of the Chapelcross nuclear site. An open day is being held on January 18 encouraging the public to share their expectations on the physical condition of the site after decommissioning which, together with de-fuelling, is underway.
Dumfries and Galloway Standard 5th Jan 2007
US
US nuclear weapons agency chief Linton Brooks has been made to resign following a number of security breaches at Los Alamos Laboratory.
BBC 5th Jan 2007
Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s economy and energy minister said his country would be pressing for twice the compensation promised by the European Commission for closing reactors at its only nuclear plant.
Interactive Investor 5th Jan 2006
Defence
Fears are growing among Royal Navy chiefs that the Ministry of Defence’s delay in signing a contract for two major aircraft carriers could signal the project’s demise. The 60,000-tonne warships, to carry 42 Joint Strike Fighters, are designed to be the cornerstone of the Fleet for the next half century. But delays over signing the full contract to build them have led to concern that the project might be sacrificed to make a major defence saving.
Telegraph 6th Jan 2007