 |
Untitled Document UK Launches Major Work With Russia to Prevent Proliferation of WMD Foreign and Commonwealth Office June 26, 2003
The Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and Igor Ivanov, the Russian Foreign Minister, will today sign a landmark agreement that enables the UK to start spending £30m tackling Russia’s nuclear Cold War legacy. This is a vital part of the G8 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, and a key component of the UK’s wider counter-proliferation strategy.
Projects can begin immediately to dismantle decommissioned nuclear submarines and safely store tonnes of spent nuclear fuel, a total commitment of up to £20m.
The UK is also committing £10m to the Northern Dimension Environmental Programme. Managed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, this Programme will include several major projects to deal with spent nuclear fuel and other nuclear waste, all of which will complement the UK’s bilateral activities.
Later today the UK will join the Arctic Military Environmental Co-operation (AMEC) programme which includes practical work on dismantling submarines. It will be signed by the UK’s Parliamentary Under Secretary for Defence, Ivor Caplin onboard the Russian Frigate Neustrashimiy, currently moored at Greenwich, London, for the State Visit.
Jack Straw said:
‘Tackling WMD proliferation is one of this Government’s highest priorities. Our co-operation with Russia on dealing with its nuclear legacy is a crucial part of this – and I’m delighted that during this State Visit we have been able to sign an agreement that enables many new UK projects to begin.’
The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Patricia Hewitt said:
‘Dismantling nuclear submarines and making safe spent nuclear fuel are among Russia’s highest priorities in dealing with the legacy of the Cold War. This is difficult, complicated work in which the UK can offer real experience and assistance. Not only does this project offer proliferation and environmental benefits, it is also presents future business opportunities for UK companies with nuclear clean-up expertise.’
The Parliamentary Under Secretary for Defence Ivor Caplin said:
‘The Ministry of Defence welcomes this opportunity to join AMEC and work with our partners in Norway, Russia and the United States on nuclear clean-up projects. This complements the work we are already doing in helping Russia to destroy its stock of chemical weapons, to which we have committed up to $100m over the period of the Global Partnership.’
Funding for this important work comes from the UK’s commitment to the G8 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction. The Prime Minister announced in 2002 that the UK would commit up to $750m over ten years to the Global Partnership. The nuclear projects announced today form a substantial part of this pledge.
|
|
|
|
