The Stop Nuclear Power Network is a UK-based non-hierarchical grassroots network of groups and individuals taking action against nuclear power and its expansion and supporting sustainable alternatives. We encourage and seek to facilitate nonviolent direct action, as well as more conventional forms of campaigning.

No to nuclear power in Britain

Posted Sun, 19/09/2010 - 6:38pm by admin

The origin of Britain's civil nuclear programme is closely linked with nuclear weapons. The first reactor - the "Windscale Piles" at Sellafield, began producing plutonium for nuclear weapons 1950. Britain's first commercial reactor - Calder Hall at Sellafield - was a dual-purpose reactor, with the main purpose being the production of plutionum for Britain's nuclear weapons. The same applies to the second commercial reactor at Chapelcross.

Later reactors were primarily built for the production of electricity, and in April 1995 the UK Government announced that all production of plutonium for weapons purposes had ceased.

At its peak in 1997, about 26% of Britain's electricity was generated by nuclear power. This has now gone down to less than 20%, and only 16% in 2009.

At present, the government wants to build new nuclear power stations at eight sites - all of which are existing nuclear sites. However, opposition to nuclear power is again growing. This website provides information for the growing anti nuclear power movement in Britain, with a special focus on nonviolent direct action against nuclear power.

This map gives an overview of nuclear power stations in Britain.

Map of nuclear power stations in Britain.

Click on any symbol to get a description - plus links to more information on the specific nuclear power station.

Recent posts

Hinkley Point Barnstormers - Occupiers aim to stop EDF land trash - video
16 Feb 2012 - 17:02

"shannonsmy23" writes:

"This film gives an account of the first few days of the occupation of Langborough Farm on the site of one of the proposed 'new wave' of Nuclear Reactors, at Hinkley point in Somerset. The activists took occupancy in the early hours of Sunday the 12th of February and are settling in to their new home and community.

Activists needed to defend squatted farmhouse at nuclear power plant
14 Feb 2012 - 19:47

Activists are needed urgently to help defend a farmhouse that has been squatted to stop EDF Energy trashing land for a new nuclear power station in Somerset. Anti-nuclear campaigners have been joined by members of Seize the Day as the first residents of Edf-Off Cottage next to Hinkley Point nuclear power station.

Following an occupation of trees last week, the campaign against two new mega-reactors being built on fragile coastal land has now moved to a nearby farmhouse.

Nuclear Reactor site occupied
13 Feb 2012 - 12:07

Protesters have for the second time in a week occupied the development site at Hinkley Point nuclear power station in Somerset.

Hinkley Tree Protesters Evicted
8 Feb 2012 - 01:00

Protesters occupying trees at Hinkley Point in Somerset were evicted today by police and a 5-man climbing team hired by the French company EDF. The mature oak woodland is due to be cleared this month so that preliminary work can begin on building 2 new nuclear reactors and a radioactive waste dump at the site.

The eviction came around 11am, after the occupiers had spent a sleepless night in sub-zero temperatures. One of the occupiers, Michael, said “Security guards and dog-handlers kept us awake all night with taunts and intimidation from barking dogs.”

New energy secretary’s appointment underlines unhealthy relationship between government and nuclear sector
7 Feb 2012 - 17:13

Anti-nuclear campaigners have slammed the decision to appoint Ed Davey as the new Energy and Climate Change Secretary as further evidence of the unhealthily close relationship between the government and the nuclear energy sector.

Campaign group, Kick Nuclear, has learned that Davey’s brother, Henry, is a partner at Herbert Smith, a law firm that has a long-standing relationship with the nuclear giant EDF Energy. Herbert Smith’s website declares that it is, ‘proud to be at the vanguard of next generation nuclear in the UK’.

Hinkley Point: Protesters take to the trees to prevent clearance for nuclear power station
7 Feb 2012 - 16:37

Activists opposed to nuclear energy have begun an occupation of trees threatened by the construction of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset. Police have so far declined to intervene.

Anti-nuclear campaigners are outraged that clearance work has already started on the 400-acre site earmarked by EDF Energy for the construction of two new mega-reactors even through full planning consent has not yet been granted.

Michael Hunt, one of three tree occupiers, said:

Concerned Locals take to the Trees at Hinkley Point near Bridgwater, Somerset. 7th February 2012
7 Feb 2012 - 11:40

Early this morning, concerned locals occupied threatened, ancient trees at the proposed site for a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point, near Bridgwater in Somerset. Michael Hunt, one of the tree occupiers said of their action :

“We're here to stop work on this criminal development and to protect the ancient trees that are surrounded by a special conservation area but mysteriously excluded from it“.

All work on Hinkley Point C nuclear power station must be halted
7 Feb 2012 - 00:23

Stop Hinkley campaigners are highlighting the significance of the report [1], ‘A Corruption of Governance?’ in relation to Électricité de France’s (EdF) new nuclear build project, Hinkley Point C, in Somerset.

A nuclear-free future: if Germany can do it, why can’t we?
3 Feb 2012 - 17:59

Fed up with reading George Monbiot's hogwash about the wonders of nuclear power?

Camilla Berens argues that the road to sustainability needs to be built by pioneers not procrastinators

NO MORE FUKUSHIMAS: SURROUND HINKLEY POINT Saturday 10th March - Coach from London.
3 Feb 2012 - 16:12

Coach leaves at 7.30am from the Embankment (on the river side, opposite Embankment tube) and will also pick up at 8.15am from outside the Hammersmith Apollo (near the Hammersmith District/Piccadilly Line station). It will arrive at Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station by the start of the Surround Hinkley demonstration, which starts at noon.

Coach will leave Hinkley, for return journey, at 5.30pm prompt, to get back to London by about 9.30pm.

Tickets are £25; or £15, or as much as you can afford, unwaged.

Order tickets. (Please order by March 2nd to be sure of a seat.)