CND Press Digest: Friday 1st March 2024

NATO / Europe

• The Guardian Opinion: Sweden is joining NATO, but it’s hopelessly unprepared for war.
• Reuters: Russia says it will take military-technical steps in response to Sweden’s NATO accession.
• NATO-member Denmark to appoint new army chief after incumbent steps down.
• The Telegraph: Emmanuel Macron’s gaffe will mean Ukraine must wait longer for vital weapons. ‘Boots on ground’ blunder is a propaganda coup for Russia and dashes Kyiv’s hopes of obtaining crucial Taurus long-range missiles.
• The Times: How worried should the West be about Putin’s nuclear warnings?
• Russia ‘would lose quickly’ vs NATO says UK defence chief.
• Tom Sharpe calls for more European military spending in the Telegraph:Trump is simply telling NATO nations what US presidents should have told us decades ago. Like him or loathe him, he’s right. We and the Europeans need to start paying our way.
• Forces.net: Thousands of personnel from nine NATO nations have taken part in anti-submarine warfare exercises off the coast of Sicily.

Middle East & North Africa

• Media outlets call for protection of journalists working in Gaza.
• Israel has not yet provided evidence to back Hamas 7 October attack claims against UNRWA, UN says.

AUKUS / Indo-Pacific

• ‘Wrong path’: China warns New Zealand over AUKUS security cooperation.
• USUKA: The hidden history of AUKUS.

Global Nukes

• Castle BRAVO at 70: The worst nuclear test in US history.
• Financial Times: Leaked Russian military files reveal criteria for nuclear strike.
• From the Telegraph’s resident militarist: Putin is preparing for nuclear war. Putin dangles the atomic threat because he knows it frightens cowardly figures in the West to back off.

Nukes in Britain

• The government will pump over half billion into the mid-life upgrades of the Vanguard fleet. A contract announced today said Babcock will receive £560 million to carry out works on HMS Victorious. More coverage in City AM.
• The National: New plans to dismantle Rosyth nuclear submarines left for decades.

UK Nuclear Energy

• Conservationists say Hinkley C water intakes could wipe out Atlantic salmon stocks.
• France accused of ‘unacceptable’ behaviour after demanding UK taxpayer cash for Hinkley.

Nuclear Energy

• The Chemical Engineer has started a series on the history of nuclear engineering, with the first part looking at radioactivity.
• ITV: Oxfordshire nuclear fusion reactor celebrates 40 years of pioneering scientific discoveries.
• Reuters Exclusive: Canada to expedite approval of new nuclear projects, energy minister says.

Best,

Pádraig McCarrick

Press and Communications Officer

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament