CND Press Digest: Friday 8th September 2023

War In Ukraine/NATO

• Russia says US supplying depleted-uranium shells to Ukraine could lead to war between nuclear powers.
• The Guardian with an explainer on depleted uranium.
• Reuters: What are depleted uranium rounds, and why are they controversial?
• ‘Goal is destruction of Ukraine’: ex-defence ministerI was Ukraine’s defence minister. Here’s my message for our allies: we must not lose sight of victory.
• Elon Musk ordered Starlink to be turned off during Ukraine offensive, book says.
• Russia covers nuclear bombers with tyres. Experts say low-tech tactic is attempt to make planes less visible in night-time raids

Lakenheath

• CND news item on Russia’s reaction to the latest Lakenheath developments. 

DSEI Arms Fair

• Kate’s latest blog post on the DSEI arms fair about to take place in London.

Uranium

• Demand for uranium in nuclear reactors is expected to climb by 28% by 2030 and nearly double by 2040.

UK Nuclear Energy

• A huge depot next to the M5 is set to be transformed as major plans have been approved. The green light has been given to proposals to create a large park-and-ride facility for Hinkley Point C (HPC) workers at the former Argos site.
• A Suffolk town’s masterplan  which includes a potential lido powered by Sizewell C  is set to be published within the next month.

Nuclear Energy

• The Bulletin: Biden’s horse-trading on nuclear technology and fuels is an unprecedented proliferation risk.
• MEPs launched the Net Zero Nuclear initiative seeking “unprecedented collaboration between government, industry leaders and civil society” ahead of COP28.
• Russia has assured Bangladesh that it will be able to complete the construction of a nuclear plant on time.
• The US hopes to make progress with India on GE jet engines and civil nuclear technology during the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi.
• France’s antitrust watchdog on Thursday issued total fines amounting to 31 million euros against six companies for having engaged in cartel practices linked to the dismantling of a nuclear site in southern France.

Fusion

• UK companies were cut out of Europe’s fusion programmes when it left Euratom in 2020, meaning it is now better value to invest directly in Britain than rejoin the programme, said Sir Ian Chapman.

Fukushima

• Japan PM speaks to China’s Li about radioactive water release.
• Japan’s Kishida says China seafood ban contrasts with wide support for Fukushima water release.
• US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy called China’s position on the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant “unfair” and “false”.

China

•  The Pentagon expects to release its closely-watched annual report on China’s military modernization and defense strategy in mid-October.

North Korea

• The Times, The Japan Times, The Mirror, Reuters, and Associated Press all report on the launch of North Korea’s first nuclear-armed submarine.
• The BBC: North Korea: What missiles does it have?
• America’s retired North Korea intelligence officer offers a parting message on the nuclear threat.
• Reuters Explainer: New submarines and nuclear drones: Why is North Korea developing its navy?

Best,

Pádraig McCarrick

Press and Communications Officer

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament