The programme to construct four new submarines to carry the UK's Trident nuclear weapons is “in doubt” and faces “major risks”, according to a new government report. Newly published data from the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) paints a bleak picture for government's aspirations to replace the Trident submarines by the mid 2030s, with “issues […]
Burghfield latest news
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Regulators raise concerns over safety incident and tritium leak at Atomic Weapons Establishment
The Atomic Weapons Establishment “is a safe place, but could be a lot safer”, according to Iain Coucher, the new chief executive of the Establishment.
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AWE Burghfield placed back in special measures as Aldermaston remains in them for the fourth year running
The Office for Nuclear Regulation has announced that both the Aldermaston and Burghfield Atomic Weapons Establishment sites will require 'enhanced regulatory attention' as a result of failures to improve nuclear safety performance at the two sites.
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After Trident: what future for Britain’s nuclear weapons factory?
It's time to plan a new future for the laboratory which builds the UK's nuclear weapons, writes NIS Patron Jonathon Porritt.
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Report: AWE: Britain’s Nuclear Weapons Factory PAST, PRESENT, AND POSSIBILITIES FOR THE FUTURE
The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) plays a key role in the UK’s Trident nuclear weapons programme. This report describes AWE’s work and examines alternatives for its future in the event of a decision to cancel the Trident programme.
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AWE consortium retains contract despite poor performance
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Nuclear safety event reported every fortnight at Atomic Weapons Establishment
An official record of nuclear incidents has revealed that over the last three years over eighty safety-related events were reported to government safety inspectors by the factory where Britain's nuclear weapons are designed and built – an average of more than two every month.
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New Chair and Chief Executive at the Atomic Weapons Establishment
New bosses: Iain Coucher (left) and Ian Tyler (right) The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) has announced new appointments to the two top posts in the commercial consortium that is contracted to operated the Establishment on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. Ian Tyler has been appointed as Chair to the Board of AWE Management […]
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500 jobs to be cut at Atomic Weapons Establishment
Five hundred jobs are to be axed at the factory which designs and manufactures the UK's nuclear weapons.
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Atomic Weapons Establishment management contract to be terminated?
A 25 year contract to manage the government laboratory where the UK's nuclear weapons are designed and built may be terminated by the Ministry of Defence as a result of poor performance, safety concerns, and project management failures.
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Flood defence scheme proposed for AWE Burghfield
The Ministry of Defence has submitted a planning application to West Berkshire Council requesting permission to build flood defences for the Atomic Weapons Establishment Burghfield, which has a history of flooding.
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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.