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Trident replacement - the next generation

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What's going on at Aldermaston?

• Since 2002, AWPC has found - from publicly available sources - that there is convincing evidence to suggest that the UK government is planning to research, develop, build and test the next generation of nuclear weapons at AWE Aldermaston;
• In June 2002, the Observer and the Guardian reported that AWE was planning to produce "mini-nukes" (non-strategic or "battlefield" nuclear weapons);
• In July 2002, AWE plc published their Site Development Strategy Plan, outlining proposed new developments including a supercomputer, hydrodynamics facility, new laboratories and a laser facility;
• In January 2003, AWE ml's contract was extended from ten to 25 years; the new contract is worth £5.3 billion to the joint venture company which runs AWE;
• March 2003: Geoff Hoon stated - in the context of Iraq - that if threatened by biological or chemical weapons, the UK would be prepared to use nuclear weapons;
• In May 2003, AWE Aldermaston started recruiting some 80 new scientists;
• In October 2003, the Ministry of Defence submitted their first notice of proposed development to the local planning authority; outline planning for the new laser facility was agreed in December;
• In December 2003, the government defence white paper stated that a decision about a replacement for Trident would made be in the next parliament. West Bershire District Council pass outline planning for Orion without objection.
• February 2004, planning notice for Orion is withdrawn in the face of a threat of legal challenge
• April 2004, hundreds of people take part in the London to Aldermaston march.
• May 2004, the resubmitted laser NOPD is approved.
• December 2004, the MoD submit two new planning applications for IT and office buildings.
• February 2005, IT and office building plans are approved by West Berkshire District Council.
• May 2005, work starts on site. Block the builders hold first public blockade. Seven arrests.
• June-July 2005, UK press start reporting regularly on �Trident successor� debate
.
• July 2005, MoD announce an additional �1bn for Trident maintenance.
• August 2005, two new planning notices for development of three buildings are received by West Berks
• November 2005, West Berkshire District Council (WBDC)hesitate on passing full planning notice for Orion as some paperwork has not been provided
• January 2006, WBDC reconvene and pass full Orion planning notice. As promised, campaign group Block the Builders begin rgular blockades at AWE Aldermaston. The first, on 30 January sees around 70 people, there are eight arrests.
• March 2006, Block the Builders continue blockades. Despite a massive police presence, a short blockade is held. Six people are arrested. Also this month a Defence Select Committee inquiry takes evidence from academics, campaigners and strategists on the issue of Trident replacement.
• April 2006, Block the Builders hold another blockade at the site

Come back soon to read the next installement in the story of this ongoing struggle against Britain's weapons of mass destruction. Better still, get involved and do something to create the next chapter!

The Next Generation campaign

We need to sustain opposition to the new developments.
Since December 2003, hundreds of people and organisations have objected to the first series of new developments;, in the future we need to ensure that there are thousands of objections.

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