CND Press Digest: Monday 18th September 2023

War In Ukraine/NATO

• The Times is reporting on fears that the chance of an accident at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in southern Ukraine has risen to one in five. A senior engineer cited a recent exodus of top staff from the plant, and the site’s use as a base for Chechen troops, as among the reasons why a “Fukushima scenario” could happen at any time.

Arms Sales

• The FT looks at the privatisation of defence and how billionaires like Elon Musk are becoming increasingly involved in geopolitics.

Lakenheath

• Kate Hudson had a piece in the Morning Star at the weekend about US nuclear weapons at Lakenheath and plans for a citizens’ weapons inspection at the base.
• Bright Green also reports on the planned weapons inspection. 

UK Nuclear Weapons

• Well done to Christian CND and local CND groups in the north west for their recent protest at the Barrow shipyard, covered in the NWE Mail.

UK Nuclear Energy

• The head of London-based nuclear firm Newcleo has complained that the UK government has shut him out of a small modular reactor competition - adding that the French are showing more support for the technology.
• Campaigners have won permission for another hearing to challenge the go ahead to build Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station on the issue of a permanent water supply and because of public interest in the development.
• Stop Sizewell C’s campaign is covered in a recent suggests.
• The Guardian Australia with this cartoon on nuclear power in Australia.
• China General Nuclear will strengthen emergency seawater radiation tests by adding more coastal spots to ease public concerns about Japan’s release of contaminated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean, Seoul’s oceans minister has said.

Iran Nuclear Deal

• Reuters: The EU urged Iran on Sunday to reconsider its decision to bar multiple IAEA inspectors assigned to oversee Tehran’s atomic activities, noting such oversight was part of the Iran nuclear deal. More comments from IAEA boss Rafael Grossi.

North Korea

• Kim Jong-un inspects nuclear-capable aircraft on Russian visit. Watch here.

Best,

Pádraig McCarrick

Press and Communications Officer

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament