Nuclear Information Service

This region of the NIS site shows published records of UK government policy and parliamentary debates on nuclear weapons issues. It includes articles and links to the latest parliamentary debates; the views of media commentators and NGOs. The HANSARD section lists parliamentary questions and government ministers’ answers, which are a regular source of detailed information on all aspects of nuclear weapons manufacture, operations and military policy.

Flood map for AWE Burghfield. Shaded areas represent areas at significant risk of flooding, where the chance of flooding each year is greater than 1.3% (1 in 75).

events notice

NEW NIS Submission to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY CONSULTATION

Global Security: Non-Proliferation

NIS argues that the risks posed by British nuclear weapons production and road transport of warheads threaten each individual citizen and our way of life. Additionally, the risk of a criticality event at the substandard warhead assembly/disassembly facilities at AWE Burghfield is also unacceptable and unjustifiable.

Read the NIS submission to the FCO.

NIS questionnaire

Since its relaunch in February 2008, the NIS website has seen a growth of 300% in site visits, so clearly we're doing something right. Please complete this little questionaire and help us make it even better!

MOD Stops Live Nuclear Work at AWE due to preasure from NII over safety risks..
2007 Annual Report released by NIS.
A New Film Exposes Deadly Cargo on British Roads..

Hansard on AWE Burghfield, May 2008

2008-05-06 15:00

*This ans. is interesting because the NII DID take action to stop live work in 2007 by way of letters to the MoD who replied ' we won't.' But by Dec 31 MoD changed its mind and instructed AWE to stop live work. This doesn't come out in the Ans at all of course! *6 May 2008 : Column 834W* AWE Burghfield *Mr. Hancock:* To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will propose changes to the /(a)/ management and /(b)/ procedures and systems at Atomic Weapons Establishment Burghfield to reduce the likelihood of any future necessary cessation of services on safety grounds; and if he will make a statement. [202083] *Mr. Bob Ainsworth:* The nuclear site licensee at AWE Burghfield is AWE plc, which manages the site under Government owned/contractor operated arrangements. The external regulator, the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII), is satisfied that operations are safe and has not taken action to stop live nuclear work at AWE Burghfield. Ministry of Defence officials maintain a constant dialogue with AWE plc and Nil colleagues. There is therefore no reason for ministerial intervention.