CND Press Digest: Monday 13th February 2023

War In Ukraine/NATO

• The Independent is among the papers reporting on a planned test launch by Russia of its nuclear-capable “Satan 2” missile - with many speculating it will coincide with the anniversary of the invasion on 24 February.
• Jens Stoltenberg will not seek to extend his tenure as NATO Secretary-Generalwhen his term ends in October, according to a spokesperson for the Alliance.
• NATO is expected to urge members to raise their ammunition stockpiles, after a year of supplying Ukraine.
• The Morning Star reports on plans by British arms companies to set up joint ventures in Ukraine with other international arms suppliers.
• The Star has an editorial on the propaganda towards a third world war and the importance of demonstrations calling to “cut war not wages.”
• A petition in Germany - calling on Olaf Scholz to urgently broker peace talks between Germany and Ukraine - has received over 280,000 signatures in its first 48 hours.
• Andrew Rawnsley in The Observer reflects on Zelensky’s visit to London last week and calls for Europe to remain united in its support for Ukraine. 

AUKUS

• Australia will have ‘unequivocal’ control over nuclear-powered submarines, claims the head of the taskforce in charge of the procurement. “We will be commanding and controlling, under the Australian government direction, that nuclear-powered submarine. When we take command of our first boat, we will have sovereign capability,” Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead told the 7.30 program.

UK Nuclear Energy

• Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has ordered a review with the aim to make it easier to push planning permission for big projects like nuclear plants.

Best,

Pádraig McCarrick

Press and Communications Officer

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament