The Nuclear debate

After our excellent debate at the Green Party Conference comes another timely reminder of the dangers of nuclear power with an explosion at the French power station at Marcoule this coincides with the imminent publication of the Weightman report into the implications for the UK nuclear industry of the Fukushima disaster. CND considers that it is a timely reminder that the industry is not only subject to the threat of natural disaster but also human and mechanical error in the processof normal operation. In his interim report in May, Chief Nuclear Inspector Dr Weightman asserted that'The extreme natural events that preceded the accident at Fukushima - the magnitude9 earthquake and subsequent huge tsunami - are not credible in the UKBut what has taken place at Marcoule shows that the extreme conditions that prevailed in Fukushima are not a precondition for nuclear accidents and potential disasters. Neither is a nuclear reactor a requirement - there is no reactor on site at Marcoule- but the explosion of an oven at the site clearly demonstrates the major hazards associated with nuclear waste. Indeed a number of such accidents have already affectedthe UK nuclear industry this year.
Kate Hudson, CND General Secretary, stated:

"Today's explosion is a further wake up call to the government - should they needone following the Fukushima disaster - there is no situation in which they can guarantee the safety of nuclear power or nuclear waste. The coalition government has sought to play down public concern with nuclear power following the Fukushima disaster, asserting that an earthquake or tsunami is 'notcredible in the UK.'
But they are not the only potential risks when it comes to nuclear power. The normal process of nuclear power production is dangerous on a daily basis. Earlier this year a leaked document showed that at least 3 incidents at nuclear facilities at Sellafield, Torness and Hartlepool, had to be reported to ministers in the UK in the first quarter of the year alone . How many more incidents will there be before the government reconsiders?
Marcoule clearly highlights the ongoing dangers of nuclear waste and the irresponsibility of creating any more. We already have a large legacy of dangerously radioactive nuclear waste. Recent estimates indicate that the UK has over 5 million cubic metres of it. Some of this will remain toxic for hundreds of thousands of years and there is still no long-term solution about what to do with it .

We call on the government to listen to increasing public concerns, look to the examplesof Germany and Italy, and abandon its plans for new nuclear power stations and the accompanying production of vast additional quantities of nuclear waste. Nuclear power and nuclear waste present an ever-present danger. Now is the time for the government to pursue a non-nuclear energy policy.'

One of the outcomes of our debate is that Prof Neil Hyatt - one of the speakers - has invited interested people who were at the debate to sit in on his lectures about managing nuclear waste (which will have to be done whether or not there is a new generation of reactors) if you are interested get in touch with Jillian Creasy.

Good news

Germany has agreed a date of 2022 for the shutdown of all of its nuclear power plants. This as a result of mass protests in the wake of the Japanese Fukushima disaster. Question: why can that happen in Germany but not here?
Not so good news: the SIPR Yearbook 2011 has just come out with updated figures showing that whilst the total of the world’s stockpile of nuclear weapons has decreased by 2000 since 2009, to 20,500, the biggest nuclear powers, Russia and the US are either deploying new nuclear weapon delivery systems or have announced programmes to do so, and appear determined to retain their nuclear arsenals for the indefinite future. Meanwhile India and Pakistan continue to develop new ballistic and cruise missile systems capable of delivering nuclear weapons.  
History of Activism in Sheffield, 1960-2011 two academics from the Department of History at the UoS are organising a one day public workshop that will explore the history of activism in Sheffield through stories and experiences of the activists themselves. The date is the 10th of September and if you would like to participate please contact Gary Rivett ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Countdown to Zero is a compelling documentary about how close and how often the world has come to nuclear catastrophe. It is made by the same production team that made the hugely influential film “An Inconvenient Truth” and it is showing in the Showroom, this month,. The premiere is on 21st June and there will be a further showing on 28th June. Highly recommended.

Menwith Hill

We have booked a coach to go to the annual Independence from America Day celebrations. There will be a star line up as usual including Peter Tatchell, John Sloboda - founder of Iraq Body Count & Yvonne Ridley – journalist and convert to Islam. Music will be provided by Roy Bailey, Las Vegas and the International Playboys of Rhythm and East Lancs CND choir. To book a coach seat – the cost will be £14 – ring Kath on 2680726  or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . More details will be available soon.

Joint Debate with the Green Party

The Green Party have suggested that this be a part of the Green Party Conference taking place in Sheffield between the 9th & 12th September. We are currently looking to book 4 nationally known speakers for this event. More details soon.

Alongside this we have a message from Eamonn Ward of the Sheffield Green Party as follows: The National Green Party Conference is at Hallam University from Friday 9th to Monday 12th September 2011. Non party members can attend and participate as ‘observers’ . There will be one meeting or event open to the public each day and we will also be offering members of green groups in Sheffield a £5 entrance offer to any one day of the conference. If you may be interested please phone me on 0114 2311548 or email me This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to be sent information in the month before the conference.