Next Aldermaston Blockade Monday 15th January

**Block the Builders return to Britain’s nuclear bomb factory as Trident
>> debate heats up**
>
> NEXT BLOCKADE MONDAY 15TH JANUARY. FOR DETAILS OF BLOCKADE AND ARRANGEMENTS
> PLEASE VISIT http://www.blockthebuilders.org.uk/Blockades.php
>
>> ———————-
>>
>> In December 2006 the government published a White Paper in which it
>> confirmed its intention to replace the Trident submarine fleet and
>> outlined proposals for replacing the current Trident D5 missiles. The
>> parliamentary debate on these aspects of Trident replacement is expected
>> to take place in March.
>>
>> However, the White Paper deferred the issue of what nuclear warhead the
>> missiles would carry. Tony Blair’s introductory text stated that a
>> decision on warhead replacement could be taken in the next parliament.
>>
>> ———————-
>> BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE BOMB
>> ———————-
>>
>> Meanwhile, massive work to upgrade AWE Aldermaston continues without
>> pause. A recent industry report suggested that construction firms are
>> expecting £12bn to be spent on the nuclear warhead factory over the next
>> 12 years [2]. A curious situation if no decision has been made on a future
>> warhead.
>>
>> Block the Builders will continue their regular monthly obstruction of
>> construction traffic entering the base. A spokesperson said “We continue
>> to call for a halt to building work at AWE. This massive development
>> project completely undermines any faith in the so-called ‘debate’.”
>>
>> ———————-
>> WIDESPREAD CONDEMNATION
>> ———————-
>> Since the publication of the government’s White Paper there has been
>> widespread opposition, to both the replacement proposals and the process
>> of decision-making. Concerns have been expressed by a very broad range of
>> individuals and organisations; parliamentarians from all sides of the
>> House have questioned the government, and faith leaders, trade unionists
>> and the anti-nuclear movement have condemned both the policy implications
>> and the financial cost.
>>
>> ———————-
>> LOCAL NEWS
>> ———————-
>> Local media may be interested to note that, despite previously being
>> gifted money by AWE just days before a 2005 planning meeting [3], the
>> local parish council is objecting to one of the base’s current planning
>> applications and a special planning meeting will be held on 22 January in
>> Newbury [4]
>>
>> ———————-
>> ABOUT BLOCK THE BUILDERS
>> ———————-
>> Formed in 2004, Block the Builders is a nonviolent direct action group
>> which has
>> been taking practical action to slow construction work AWE Aldermaston and
>> at
>> the sites of companies with construction contracts with AWE.
>> This has taken the form of a monthly, publicly-announced blockade of AWE
>> Aldermaston, combined with unannounced actions at AWE and contractor
>> sites, and
>> events in conjunction with other groups such as the recent Greenpeace/BtB
>> mass
>> weapons inspection (27/11/06). The December 2006 blockade saw roads around
>> the site closed for two hours and seven people arrested.
>>
>> For reports of previous blockades, see http://www.aldermaston.net/news
>>
>> ———————-
>> NOTES
>> ———————-
>> [1] White Paper: http://tinyurl.com/ye878z
>> [2] Industry report:
>> http://www.costain.com/externaldocs/finance/Nuclear.pdf
>> page 17 (previous pages are very good for explaining the general nuclear
>> sector contracts, whose bidding etc) but page 17 says “AWE Framework
>> agreement £4m in 2006. Forecast £8m in 2007. Positioned for contracting on
>> AWE’s investment programme £12bn over next 12 years”
>> [3] Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 8th November 2005
>> No members of the public were present.
>> 94 Parish Plan progress report · The Parish Plan was tabled. It was agreed
>> that
>> Clerk will write to Ken Ray congratulating him and the steering group on
>> the
>> excellent work they have carried out. A donation of £1500 had been
>> received
>> from AWE and it was agreed that the Clerk would write expressing the
>> thanks of
>> the Parish Council. [original at:
>> http://www.aldermaston.co.uk/2005/dec05/pc_minutes11.05.doc]
>> [4] Special meeting of the Eastern Area Planning Committee. The only item
>> for determination will be 06/2326/comind (AWE office accommodation
>> application).
>> This will start at 6.30pm and be held in the Council Chamber, Market
>> Street, Newbury.
>>
>> Block the Builders: http://www.blockthebuilders.org.uk
>>