Anti-nuclear Movement in the United Kingdom

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In January 2008 the UK government announced plans to build new nuclear power stations, and the anti-nuclear movement in the United Kingdom has voiced concerns. There are also public concerns about the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Many different groups and individuals have been involved in demonstrations and protests over the years. The Nuclear Contribution to Climate Change in the UK is much higher than thought because of the HFC emissions of the nuclear plant in Sellafield.

Background

In 1976, the UK Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution found that it would be "morally wrong" to make a major commitment to nuclear power without first demonstrating a safe way of isolating radioactive waste. Yet the UK is about to embark on a programme to build at least 10 new reactors while still lacking a disposal site for waste from the past 50 years. According to a New Scientist report, spent fuel from the new reactors will be far more radioactive than existing waste.[1][2]

Specific groups

One of the most prominent anti-nuclear groups in the UK is the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND). CND favours nuclear disarmament by all countries and tighter international regulation through treaties such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. CND is also opposed to any new nuclear power stations being built in the United Kingdom. One of the activities most strongly associated with CND is the Aldermaston Marches. Other anti-nuclear groups in the UK include:

Academics

In 2008, several prominent UK academics spoke out against the government's proposal to build a new generation of nuclear power plants:[3][4]

  • Frank Barnaby
  • Paul Dorfman
  • David Elliott
  • Kate Hudson
  • Jerome Ravetz
  • Andy Stirling
  • Stephen Thomas
  • Gordon Walker

Other individuals

  • Damon Albarn
  • Pat Arrowsmith
  • Meg Beresford
  • Janet Bloomfield
  • Canon John Collins
  • Jeremy Corbyn
  • Peggy Duff
  • David Fleming
  • Martin Forwood[5]
  • Olive Gibbs
  • Ali Hewson
  • Hugh Jenkins
  • Paul Johns
  • Rosie Kane
  • Bruce Kent
  • Marghanita Laski
  • David Lowry
  • Jean McSorley
  • Pete Roche
  • Joan Ruddock
  • Marjorie Thompson
  • Walter Wolfgang
  • Angie Zelter

See also

References

External links