development

The first experimental firing of France's new nuclear test superlaser took place at the end of October, allowing French – and British – nuclear weapons scientists to test warhead components and materials as part of research work aimed at sidestepping international arms control measures.

Under the terms of a new treaty Britain and France intend to collaborate on nuclear warhead technology for the next 50 years. The agreement, announced by UK Prime Minister David Cameron and France's President Nicolas Sarkozy, commits the two nations to undertake a joint programme of co-operation on nuclear weapon technology at a new hydrodynamics research facility at Valduc in France and a joint Technology Development Centre at the Atomic Weapons Establishment Aldermaston.

Britain plans to spend £3bn on new nuclear warheads. Decision breaches non-proliferation treaty, opponents say. 

Matthew Taylor, The Guardian, Friday July 25 2008

It wasn’t quite a throwback to the Cold War era of rowdy Commons debates and campaigners chained to the gates of Greenham Common. But last week’s rebellion over the UK’s nuclear arsenal was still sizeable. It also drew a major parallel with the past: ministers, officials and the public have little idea how much the controversial nuclear deterrent will cost.

Article from publicfinance.co.uk