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==Background==
==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.<ref>[http://environment.newscientist.com/channel/earth/energy-fuels/mg19826513.300-editorial-nuclear-industry-must-not-forget-past-lessons.html Editorial: Nuclear industry must not forget past lessons]</ref><ref>[http://technology.newscientist.com/channel/tech/mg19826514.200-nuclear-superfuel-gets-too-hot-to-handle.html Nuclear super-fuel gets too hot to handle]</ref>
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.<ref>[http://environment.newscientist.com/channel/earth/energy-fuels/mg19826513.300-editorial-nuclear-industry-must-not-forget-past-lessons.html Editorial: Nuclear industry must not forget past lessons]</ref><ref>[http://technology.newscientist.com/channel/tech/mg19826514.200-nuclear-superfuel-gets-too-hot-to-handle.html Nuclear super-fuel gets too hot to handle]</ref>

In April 2009, the government released a list of 11 sites in England and Wales where new nuclear power stations could be built. The locations were nominated by companies interested in building the plants, and the government has given its initial approval to the sites.


==The Scottish Government==
==The Scottish Government==

Revision as of 03:01, 16 April 2009

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.

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]

In April 2009, the government released a list of 11 sites in England and Wales where new nuclear power stations could be built. The locations were nominated by companies interested in building the plants, and the government has given its initial approval to the sites.

The Scottish Government

The Scottish government opposes building new nuclear power stations.[3]

Specific groups

The now-familiar peace symbol was originally the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament logo.

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:[16][17]

Other individuals

See also

References

  1. ^ Editorial: Nuclear industry must not forget past lessons
  2. ^ Nuclear super-fuel gets too hot to handle
  3. ^ New nuclear site options unveiled
  4. ^ CANSAR
  5. ^ News and information about the UK nuclear industry
  6. ^ No new nukes!
  7. ^ Welcome to Nuclear Pledge
  8. ^ Nuclear Spin
  9. ^ Pawb Website
  10. ^ Radiation Free Lakeland
  11. ^ Anti-nuclear group calls for inquiry
  12. ^ Shutdown Sizewell Campaign
  13. ^ Stop Hinkley
  14. ^ Anti-nuclear groups fear danger at new reactor
  15. ^ Nuclear is too little, too late and too dangerous
  16. ^ Scientists take on Brown over nuclear plans
  17. ^ Nuclear Consultation: Public Trust in Government
  18. ^ Fears over nuclear waste transport plan
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