US deployed nuclear weapons in UK despite warning

[Briar]

US deployed nuclear weapons in UK despite warning

NewScientist.com news service

Rob Edwards


When the US deployed nuclear missiles in England during the cold war, it did so despite safety warnings from UK government scientists, New Scientist has learned.

Between 1983 and 1991, the US stationed 96 nuclear-tipped cruise missiles at Greenham Common in Berkshire, prompting the most prolonged and iconic of the UK's protests against nuclear weapons.

Now, previously top secret reports released to New Scientist by the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) under freedom of information legislation show that the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment at Aldermaston had estimated that 10 million people, including the population of London, could have been exposed to an "inhalation hazard" from plutonium if warheads exploded or caught fire.

It was "credible" for one warhead to detonate by accident and engulf
another seven in a fire, one report said. In another report dated 11
February 1980, scientists worked out the "plutonium dispersion hazard" from a cruise missile fire. Of the 11 bases in England being considered for the missiles, Greenham Common posed the highest risks, the report said. It was "the worst site which has been examined" because it was the closest to large centres of population which could be exposed to radiation in the event of an accident....



http://environment.newscientist.com/article/mg19526124.500?DCMP=NLC-nletter&nsref=mg19526124.500


Just confirmation of a strong feeling here that our government would put us at risk to appease the US, I suppose. Just imagine the contrary scenario - the US allowing another country to site its nukes on American soil close to densely populated areas!

[dipsydoodle]

1. For the benefit of our cousins

On the 5th September 1981, the Welsh group “Women for Life on Earth” arrived on Greenham Common, Berkshire, England. They marched from Cardiff with the intention of challenging, by debate, the decision to site 96 Cruise nuclear missiles there. On arrival they delivered a letter to the Base Commander which among other things stated ‘We fear for the future of all our children and for the future of the living world which is the basis of all life’.

When their request for a debate was ignored they set up a Peace Camp just outside the fence surrounding RAF Greenham Common Airbase. They took the authorities by surprise and set the tone for a most audacious and lengthy protest that lasted 19years. Within 6 months the camp became known as the Women’s Peace Camp and gained recognition both nationally and internationally by drawing attention to the base with well publicised imaginitive gatherings.This unique initiative threw a spotlight on ‘Cruise’ making it a national and international political issue throughout the 80s and early 90s.

The presence of women living outside an operational nuclear base 24 hours a day, brought a new perspective to the peace movement - giving it leadership and a continuous focus. At a time when the USA and the USSR were competing for nuclear superiority in Europe, the Women’s Peace Camp on Greenham Common was seen as an edifying influence. The commitment to non-violence and non-alignment gave the protest an authority that was difficult to dismiss – journalists from almost every corner of the globe found their way to the camp and reported on the happenings and events taking place there.

http://www.greenhamwpc.org.uk/

Please note that issue lasted 19 years !

[Briar]

2. Thanks for adding that

One of the founders of the camp, Ann Pettit, was interviewed by BBC Radio Four's programme "Woman's Hour". The interview can be listened to here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/womanshour/02/2006_38_wed.shtml

[dipsydoodle]

3. It's a factory/office estate now.

One of the buildings which I think was used to store missiles is now used for dancing etc - I've been there a few times. Far more sensible..................lol.