Vienna conference maintains momentum for humanitarian initiative on nuclear weapons
The third international conference on the humanitarian impacts of nuclear weapons has ended with a pledge to press for the abolition of nuclear weapons at next year's Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference. Read more.
Confusion over pledge to reduce number of missile tubes in new Trident submarines
The government is facing accusations that it has misled the public and the international community over the number of missiles which could be carried on the 'Successor' class Trident replacement submarines following the disclosure of details of a contract to build missile tubes for a new submarine. Read more.
Main contractors appointed for Barrow shipyard upgrade project
BAE Systems has appointed three construction companies to upgrade its Barrow-in-Furness shipyard in preparation to build a replacement for the Royal Navy's Vanguard class Trident submarines. Read more.
UK – France co-operation on nuclear weapons set to deepen as France's Laser Mégajoule becomes operational
The first experimental firing of France's new nuclear test superlaser took place at the end of October, allowing French – and British – nuclear weapons scientists to test warhead components and materials as part of research work aimed at sidestepping international arms control measures. Read more.
Two submarines to move to Faslane under Navy's future submarine basing plan
The Ministry of Defence has announced that two of the Royal Navy's Trafalgar class submarines will move from their current base in Devonport to the Clyde as part of a long-term scheme to station all the Navy's submarines at a single base. Read more.
Plans submitted for new radioactive waste treatment plant at Faslane submarine base
The Ministry of Defence has submitted a planning application for construction of a new radioactive waste treatment plant at the Faslane nuclear submarine base to Argyll and Bute Council. Read more.
New emergency planning area calculations for AWE sites
New hazard assessments published by the Atomic Weapons Establishment for the Aldermaston and Burghfield nuclear sites suggest that the impacts of a radiation emergency at either site would extend over smaller areas than currently defined in emergency plans, raising fears that emergency planning areas may be reduced in size. Read more.
Consent granted for submarine dismantling at Rosyth dockyard
The Office for Nuclear Regulation has granted consent for a project to decommission seven out-of-service nuclear submarines currently stored afloat at Rosyth Royal Naval Dockyard in Fife. Read more.
Thank you for your support!
Nuclear Information Service would like to thank all our readers and supporters this Christmas and New Year. Our recent fundraising appeal has raised nearly £500 to help pay for our work in 2015, for which we are most grateful. With the general election looming and the crucial 'main gate' decision on Trident replacement scheduled for 2015, our work has never been more important. With your help, over the coming year we will be able to undertake projects such as:
- Helping campaign groups working on Trident replacement co-ordinate a strategic approach to oppose the government's plans.
- Publishing a definitive accident history for the UK's nuclear weapons programme
- Continuing to put the spotlight on new developments at the Atomic Weapons Establishment
Thank you very much for all your support and interest in our work.