Greenpeace's campaign to Stop Plutonium Terror

September 16th 2002, BBC Online Protest boats await nuclear shipments Hundreds of protesters are waiting in boats in the Irish Sea to confront two ships bringing back radioactive material to Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant in Cumbria.

September 15th 2002, The Observer Security alert as plutonium ships near coast A massive security operation was underway in the North West of England last night as two ships carrying enough plutonium to make 50 nuclear bombs neared the Cumbrian coastline.

September 8 2002, The Observer Stop playing at the generation game The plight of British Energy highlights the ramshackle way in which the Government manages our electricity supply.

September 8 2002, Daily Telegraph British Energy needs extra Ł280m a year British Energy has warned ministers that it needs Ł280m in additional cash each year to ensure its long-term survival as a public company.

September 8 2002, Sunday Herald (Scotland) Taxpayers to bail out British Energy 'If any taxpayers money is to be handed out, then the public will fully expect it to go to clean-ups and the creation of green jobs, not more nuclear.'

September 8 2002, The Independent on Sunday Nuclear deal scuppered by Treasury The Treasury blocked an 11th-hour deal that would have saved troubled nuclear generator British Energy from financial collapse, The Independent on Sunday has learnt.

September 7 2002, The Guardian FSA investigates British Energy Watchdog examines electricity generator's relationship with City financiers Cash-strapped British Energy's woes deepened last night as the financial services authority launched an investigation into the way it kept the City informed about the dire state of its finances.

September 4 2002, Christian Science Monitor Cracks in Japan's energy sector - A nuclear reactor was closed for leaks yesterday, the latest in a string of industry lapses. TOKYO - Japan's troubled nuclear industry faces a meltdown of public trust as resignations, coverups and a radiation leak undermine attempts to recover from a recent history of accidents and scandals.

September 3 2002, The Japan Times Nuclear hosts demand investigation into Tepco The discovery last week that Tokyo Electric Power Co. falsified data regarding inspections at some of its nuclear power plants has sparked a strong burst of indignation from municipalities hosting the facilities.

September 3, 2002 The Japan Times Tepco chairman, president announce resignations over nuclear coverups Tokyo Electric Power Co. said Monday that President Nobuya Minami and Chairman Hiroshi Araki will resign over reported coverups of damage at the utility's nuclear power plants.

September 2 2002, Daily Yomiuri U.K. N-industry faces meltdown Britain led the world by generating the first commercial nuclear power in 1956, about 10 years ahead of Japan. But nearly 50 years later, the cost of decommissioning aging nuclear plants and falling power prices threaten the industry's future.

September 2 2002, AllAfrica.com Greenpeace Activists Fined Total of R60000 Twelve Greenpeace activists, six of whom scaled the pumphouse at the Koeberg nuclear power station on August 24 and unfurled a banner saying "Nukes out of Africa," were fined a total of R60000 when they appeared in the Atlantis Magistrate's Court on Monday.

September 1 2002, Sunday Herald (Scotland) Nuclear safety report 'covered up' by officials A nuclear consultant who wrote an analysis of the vulnerability of Britain's nuclear power industry to terrorist attack is demanding an inquiry after his findings were secretly circulated to government departments and branded a security risk.

September 1 2002, The Scotsman Pop Star Joins Chorus of Anti-Sellafield Protest Pop star Jim Corr today became the latest of a string of celebrities and politicians to voice opposition to a nuclear shipment which is due to arrive in Sellafield within weeks.

September 1 2002, The Observer - Ministers push for Ł100m BE lifeline The Government is pressing for a quick deal over fuel reprocessing contracts between BNFL and cash-strapped nuclear generator British Energy, which could save it Ł100 million a year and shore up its parlous finances.

August 31 2002, The Independent (UK) New nuclear scandal in Japan threatens viability of Sellafield A nuclear scandal in Japan has threatened the viability of a Ł350m plant reprocessing plutonium run by British Nuclear Fuels - a company still reeling from its own scandal involving falsified data.

August 30 2002, AllAfrica.com Greenpeace Activists Plead Guilty Cape Town - Twelve Greenpeace activists were found guilty in the Atlantis Magistrate's Court on Friday of trespassing and breaching the National Key Points Act.

August 30 2002, Planet Ark Greenpeace wants Irish navy in nuclear protest Dublin - Greenpeace called on Ireland this week to use its navy to block two ships carrying nuclear fuel to Britain from entering Irish waters when they reach the Irish Sea next week.

August 24 2002, Daily Dispatch (South Africa) Tutu gives Greenpeace his blessing. CAPE TOWN -- Archbishop Desmond Tutu paid a surprise visit to the Greenpeace ship, the Esperanza, in Table Bay harbour yesterday and gave his blessing to the crew and vessel.

August 24 2002, Samoa Observer SPREP regional stance on waste. A report from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation yesterday morning has added fuel to the regional stance against transshipment of hazardous waste through the Pacific.

August 23 2002, news24.com (South Africa) Tutu blesses Greenpeace ship. Cape Town - Archbishop Desmond Tutu paid a surprise visit to the Greenpeace ship, the Esperanza, in Table Bay harbour on Friday and gave his blessing to the crew and vessel.

August 20 2002, ABC Online (Australia) Greenpeace stirs row over nuclear shipment . Greenpeace has broadcast the location of two ships carrying nuclear fuel off South Africa in a protest branded "grossly irresponsible" by British Nuclear Fuels (BNF).

August 18 2002, news24.com (South Africa) Plutonium ships avoid SA waters. Johannesburg - A cargo of potentially dangerous plutonium has been driven away from South African waters after the Greenpeace ship MV Esperanza set sail from Cape Town to track and monitor the shipment.

August 12 2002, allAfrica.com Anti-Nuclear Lobby Marches to Parliament. Cape Town - About 200 members of anti-nuclear movements on Monday toyi-toyed to the beat of bongo drums on Thibault Square in Cape Town ahead of a march to Parliament to protest against nuclear power, and specifically the proposed new pebble bed modular reactor on the Cape West Coast.

July 22 2002, news24.com (South Africa) Greenpeace in high-sea protest.
Sydney - Greenpeace protesters leapt into the sea in front of two ships carrying nuclear waste off the Australian mainland on Monday after an overnight game of maritime cat and mouse.

July 18 2002, Pacnews Fiji PM attacks western nations in ACP address. "As I speak, a ship carrying plutonium is heading for our waters, having traversed other parts of the region. We will be asking you to join with us in expressing our outrage and opposition to those who are so willing to put the Pacific and our peoples at risk.” Visit the ACP website.

July 16 2002, Independent BNFL under fire over cash to US politicians.

July 13 2002, Vanuatu Trading Post Foreign Ministry angry over nuclear shipment. Vanuatu's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is livid over scheduled shipment of plutonium. The Ministry was not aware of any request for permission from Japanese or British for use of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone, and stated this attitude was disrespectful of the sovereignty and dignity of Vanuatu.

July 13 2002, Sydney Morning Herald Ships of fools. A flotilla of small boat protesters to meet a jinxed nuclear cargo to sail close to Australia's shores, a closing chapter in a saga of deception.

July 13 2002, Melbourne Age Anti-nuclear show plays out in Tasman Sea.

July 13 2002, ABC Online Greenpeace spies nuclear ships in exclusion zone.

July 13 2002, ABC Online Claim ship carrying nuclear material breaches economic zone.

July 12 2002, Guardian Toxic cargo. A British company is spending millions trying to sustain Japan's appetite for reprocessed nuclear fuel, writes Jonathan Watts

July 9 2002, Sydney Morning Herald Accident puts focus on plutonium ship.

July 7 2002, Channel 4 News (UK) Destroyer holed A British navy destroyer has run aground 200 miles off the coast of Australia. Tonight Channel 4 News understands that HMS Nottingham was in the region to provide security for a convoy of nuclear material which is being sent to the Sellafield reprocessing plant in Cumbria.

July 5 2002, Independent British vessel leaves Japan for Sellafield despite safety objections from 37 countries.

July 5 2002, New York Times Japanese Shipment of Nuclear Fuel Raises Security Fears. Subscription required (free).

July 5 2002, BBC Online Irish seek support over nuclear row.

June 30 2002,The Asahi Shimbun Public kept in dark on nuclear power plans.

June 30 2002,The Asahi Shimbun Forum needed for parties to discuss nuclear concerns.

June 27 2002, The Guardian What a waste British Nuclear Fuels is to be broken up, forcing taxpayers to cover the huge costs of reprocessing and storing radioactive waste.

June 26 2002, Japan Today Greenpeace says nuke fuel shipment "hides" behind World Cup
TOKYO - Japan's nuclear fuel shipment timed to World Cup: The international environmental group Greenpeace suggested Tuesday it is not a coincidence that a load of plutonium-uranium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel is about to be shipped from Japan to Britain at the same time as public and media attention is focused almost exclusively on the World Cup soccer finals being co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.

June 25 2002, The Straits Times Is Japan going nuclear? HONGKONG - Tokyo has rekindled fears among its neighbours about Japanese re-militarisation by its assertion that Japan has the right to possess nuclear weapons.

June 25 2002, The Independent New nuclear agency to take on Ł46bn liabilities .

June 22 2002, La Hora (Ecuador) Chile esquiva cláusulas ambientales

June 19 2002, Japan Times Greenpeace ship en route to protest MOX transportation

June 16 2002, The Sunday Herald (Scotland) Sellafield's Japanese nuclear cargo could be blocked. By Rob Edwards, Environment Editor.

June 13 2002, International Herald Tribune So much for Japan's nuclear taboo. By Robyn Lim.

June 11 2002, The Guardian (UK) Dangerous waters: By shipping plutonium around the world, Britain is courting catastrophe - George Monbiot.

June 11 2002, Financial Times: Legal move on N-shipment Greenpeace, the environmental campaign group, yesterday said it was planning legal action to prevent British Nuclear Fuels from shipping a consignment of recycled nuclear fuel from Japan to Britain. (subscription required.)

June 10 2002, Financial Times: Quiet revolution slowly transforms generating sector. (subscription required.)

June 9 2002, The Observer: Protesters fear nuclear terror heist on high seas A plutonium cargo on board two merchant ships sailing from Japan to Cumbria is enough for 50 N-bombs - making it a potential target for Al-Qaeda.

June 2002, The Ecologist (UK) Seasickness
In the face of massive opposition and fears of terrorist attacks, the UK government is about to ship a cargo of weapons-grade nuclear waste on a 18,000 mile journey from Japan to Sellafield. It is, writes Mark Townsend, an extraordinary gamble. Full story.....(subscription required.)

May 19 2002, The Observer (UK): BNFL spent $1m lobbying in US.

May 11th 2002, Asahi Shimbun: Nuke Indifference Breeds Suspicions Abroad.

April 27 2002, The Japan Times: MOX ships depart U.K. for Japan.


Press Releases Archive Links	September 16th 2002, BBC Online Protest boats await nuclear shipments Hundreds of protesters are waiting in boats in the Irish Sea to confront two ships bringing back radioactive material to Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant in Cumbria. September 15th 2002, The Observer Security alert as plutonium ships near coast A massive security operation was underway in the North West of England last night as two ships carrying enough plutonium to make 50 nuclear bombs neared the Cumbrian coastline. September 8 2002, The Observer Stop playing at the generation game The plight of British Energy highlights the ramshackle way in which the Government manages our electricity supply. September 8 2002, Daily Telegraph British Energy needs extra Ł280m a year British Energy has warned ministers that it needs Ł280m in additional cash each year to ensure its long-term survival as a public company. September 8 2002, Sunday Herald (Scotland) Taxpayers to bail out British Energy 'If any taxpayers money is to be handed out, then the public will fully expect it to go to clean-ups and the creation of green jobs, not more nuclear.' September 8 2002, The Independent on Sunday Nuclear deal scuppered by Treasury The Treasury blocked an 11th-hour deal that would have saved troubled nuclear generator British Energy from financial collapse, The Independent on Sunday has learnt. September 7 2002, The Guardian FSA investigates British Energy Watchdog examines electricity generator's relationship with City financiers Cash-strapped British Energy's woes deepened last night as the financial services authority launched an investigation into the way it kept the City informed about the dire state of its finances. September 4 2002, Christian Science Monitor Cracks in Japan's energy sector - A nuclear reactor was closed for leaks yesterday, the latest in a string of industry lapses. TOKYO - Japan's troubled nuclear industry faces a meltdown of public trust as resignations, coverups and a radiation leak undermine attempts to recover from a recent history of accidents and scandals. September 3 2002, The Japan Times Nuclear hosts demand investigation into Tepco The discovery last week that Tokyo Electric Power Co. falsified data regarding inspections at some of its nuclear power plants has sparked a strong burst of indignation from municipalities hosting the facilities. September 3, 2002 The Japan Times Tepco chairman, president announce resignations over nuclear coverups Tokyo Electric Power Co. said Monday that President Nobuya Minami and Chairman Hiroshi Araki will resign over reported coverups of damage at the utility's nuclear power plants. September 2 2002, Daily Yomiuri U.K. N-industry faces meltdown Britain led the world by generating the first commercial nuclear power in 1956, about 10 years ahead of Japan. But nearly 50 years later, the cost of decommissioning aging nuclear plants and falling power prices threaten the industry's future. September 2 2002, AllAfrica.com Greenpeace Activists Fined Total of R60000 Twelve Greenpeace activists, six of whom scaled the pumphouse at the Koeberg nuclear power station on August 24 and unfurled a banner saying "Nukes out of Africa," were fined a total of R60000 when they appeared in the Atlantis Magistrate's Court on Monday. September 1 2002, Sunday Herald (Scotland) Nuclear safety report 'covered up' by officials A nuclear consultant who wrote an analysis of the vulnerability of Britain's nuclear power industry to terrorist attack is demanding an inquiry after his findings were secretly circulated to government departments and branded a security risk. September 1 2002, The Scotsman Pop Star Joins Chorus of Anti-Sellafield Protest Pop star Jim Corr today became the latest of a string of celebrities and politicians to voice opposition to a nuclear shipment which is due to arrive in Sellafield within weeks. September 1 2002, The Observer - Ministers push for Ł100m BE lifeline The Government is pressing for a quick deal over fuel reprocessing contracts between BNFL and cash-strapped nuclear generator British Energy, which could save it Ł100 million a year and shore up its parlous finances. August 31 2002, The Independent (UK) New nuclear scandal in Japan threatens viability of Sellafield A nuclear scandal in Japan has threatened the viability of a Ł350m plant reprocessing plutonium run by British Nuclear Fuels - a company still reeling from its own scandal involving falsified data. August 30 2002, AllAfrica.com Greenpeace Activists Plead Guilty Cape Town - Twelve Greenpeace activists were found guilty in the Atlantis Magistrate's Court on Friday of trespassing and breaching the National Key Points Act. August 30 2002, Planet Ark Greenpeace wants Irish navy in nuclear protest Dublin - Greenpeace called on Ireland this week to use its navy to block two ships carrying nuclear fuel to Britain from entering Irish waters when they reach the Irish Sea next week. August 24 2002, Daily Dispatch (South Africa) Tutu gives Greenpeace his blessing. CAPE TOWN -- Archbishop Desmond Tutu paid a surprise visit to the Greenpeace ship, the Esperanza, in Table Bay harbour yesterday and gave his blessing to the crew and vessel. August 24 2002, Samoa Observer SPREP regional stance on waste. A report from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation yesterday morning has added fuel to the regional stance against transshipment of hazardous waste through the Pacific. August 23 2002, news24.com (South Africa) Tutu blesses Greenpeace ship. Cape Town - Archbishop Desmond Tutu paid a surprise visit to the Greenpeace ship, the Esperanza, in Table Bay harbour on Friday and gave his blessing to the crew and vessel. August 20 2002, ABC Online (Australia) Greenpeace stirs row over nuclear shipment . Greenpeace has broadcast the location of two ships carrying nuclear fuel off South Africa in a protest branded "grossly irresponsible" by British Nuclear Fuels (BNF). August 18 2002, news24.com (South Africa) Plutonium ships avoid SA waters. Johannesburg - A cargo of potentially dangerous plutonium has been driven away from South African waters after the Greenpeace ship MV Esperanza set sail from Cape Town to track and monitor the shipment. August 12 2002, allAfrica.com Anti-Nuclear Lobby Marches to Parliament. Cape Town - About 200 members of anti-nuclear movements on Monday toyi-toyed to the beat of bongo drums on Thibault Square in Cape Town ahead of a march to Parliament to protest against nuclear power, and specifically the proposed new pebble bed modular reactor on the Cape West Coast. July 22 2002, news24.com (South Africa) Greenpeace in high-sea protest. Sydney - Greenpeace protesters leapt into the sea in front of two ships carrying nuclear waste off the Australian mainland on Monday after an overnight game of maritime cat and mouse. July 18 2002, Pacnews Fiji PM attacks western nations in ACP address. "As I speak, a ship carrying plutonium is heading for our waters, having traversed other parts of the region. We will be asking you to join with us in expressing our outrage and opposition to those who are so willing to put the Pacific and our peoples at risk.” Visit the ACP website. July 16 2002, Independent BNFL under fire over cash to US politicians. July 13 2002, Vanuatu Trading Post Foreign Ministry angry over nuclear shipment. Vanuatu's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is livid over scheduled shipment of plutonium. The Ministry was not aware of any request for permission from Japanese or British for use of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone, and stated this attitude was disrespectful of the sovereignty and dignity of Vanuatu. July 13 2002, Sydney Morning Herald Ships of fools. A flotilla of small boat protesters to meet a jinxed nuclear cargo to sail close to Australia's shores, a closing chapter in a saga of deception. July 13 2002, Melbourne Age Anti-nuclear show plays out in Tasman Sea. July 13 2002, ABC Online Greenpeace spies nuclear ships in exclusion zone. July 13 2002, ABC Online Claim ship carrying nuclear material breaches economic zone. July 12 2002, Guardian Toxic cargo. A British company is spending millions trying to sustain Japan's appetite for reprocessed nuclear fuel, writes Jonathan Watts July 9 2002, Sydney Morning Herald Accident puts focus on plutonium ship. July 7 2002, Channel 4 News (UK) Destroyer holed A British navy destroyer has run aground 200 miles off the coast of Australia. Tonight Channel 4 News understands that HMS Nottingham was in the region to provide security for a convoy of nuclear material which is being sent to the Sellafield reprocessing plant in Cumbria. July 5 2002, Independent British vessel leaves Japan for Sellafield despite safety objections from 37 countries. July 5 2002, New York Times Japanese Shipment of Nuclear Fuel Raises Security Fears. Subscription required (free). July 5 2002, BBC Online Irish seek support over nuclear row. June 30 2002,The Asahi Shimbun Public kept in dark on nuclear power plans. June 30 2002,The Asahi Shimbun Forum needed for parties to discuss nuclear concerns. June 27 2002, The Guardian What a waste British Nuclear Fuels is to be broken up, forcing taxpayers to cover the huge costs of reprocessing and storing radioactive waste. June 26 2002, Japan Today Greenpeace says nuke fuel shipment "hides" behind World Cup TOKYO - Japan's nuclear fuel shipment timed to World Cup: The international environmental group Greenpeace suggested Tuesday it is not a coincidence that a load of plutonium-uranium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel is about to be shipped from Japan to Britain at the same time as public and media attention is focused almost exclusively on the World Cup soccer finals being co-hosted by Japan and South Korea. June 25 2002, The Straits Times Is Japan going nuclear? HONGKONG - Tokyo has rekindled fears among its neighbours about Japanese re-militarisation by its assertion that Japan has the right to possess nuclear weapons. June 25 2002, The Independent New nuclear agency to take on Ł46bn liabilities . June 22 2002, La Hora (Ecuador) Chile esquiva cláusulas ambientales June 19 2002, Japan Times Greenpeace ship en route to protest MOX transportation June 16 2002, The Sunday Herald (Scotland) Sellafield's Japanese nuclear cargo could be blocked. By Rob Edwards, Environment Editor. June 13 2002, International Herald Tribune So much for Japan's nuclear taboo. By Robyn Lim. June 11 2002, The Guardian (UK) Dangerous waters: By shipping plutonium around the world, Britain is courting catastrophe - George Monbiot. June 11 2002, Financial Times: Legal move on N-shipment Greenpeace, the environmental campaign group, yesterday said it was planning legal action to prevent British Nuclear Fuels from shipping a consignment of recycled nuclear fuel from Japan to Britain. (subscription required.) June 10 2002, Financial Times: Quiet revolution slowly transforms generating sector. (subscription required.) June 9 2002, The Observer: Protesters fear nuclear terror heist on high seas A plutonium cargo on board two merchant ships sailing from Japan to Cumbria is enough for 50 N-bombs - making it a potential target for Al-Qaeda. June 2002, The Ecologist (UK) Seasickness In the face of massive opposition and fears of terrorist attacks, the UK government is about to ship a cargo of weapons-grade nuclear waste on a 18,000 mile journey from Japan to Sellafield. It is, writes Mark Townsend, an extraordinary gamble. Full story.....(subscription required.) May 19 2002, The Observer (UK): BNFL spent $1m lobbying in US. May 11th 2002, Asahi Shimbun: Nuke Indifference Breeds Suspicions Abroad. April 27 2002, The Japan Times: MOX ships depart U.K. for Japan.