Trident replacement - who profits?

On March 14th we went to London with many others during the vote on Trident replacement and as a result some passed the afternoon and evening in police custody. Nobody got seriously hurt and we made an effective blockade. I think most people felt it was worthwhile and plenty more people have told us how glad they were that it happened on that day in Parliament Square during the vote. We weren't surprised at the outcome of the vote but we generally seem to try to be positive because nuclear war is an uncomprehendably negative thing.

One of the sickening outcomes of the vote on the 14th March is that according to the Express on Sunday (March 19th), BNFL, one third of the consortium which runs Aldermaston and up for sale since last year will now "seek "significantly" more for its £100million stake in the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE)". The Express claims that the sale was put on hold pending the vote and that this decision will extend the life of Aldermaston "boosting its value". Aldermaston isn't the only place where profits will flow. The Express also reported that "the Trident decision is likely to boost the value of Devonport submarine yard near Plymouth, which has been put up for sale by owner DML."

Industry analysts predict contracts valued up to £12bn will be placed at Aldermaston over the next few years. That hasn't figured in the cost calculations in any form. The Government are still lying about the costs of Trident replacement but they don't talk at all about the profits from Trident replacement. If the Express are correct, one tangible result of the vote on March 14th in Parliament was that within days AWE ML and BNFL had enjoyed direct financial benefit. That really makes me feel sick. We had a good day on the 14th but BNFL, Serco and Lockheed had a profitable day.

happycamper