£6.5 billion…for some rusty buckets.
That’s how much the UK spent on the nuclear weapons programme in 2023. This figure is expected to rise in 2024.
The nuclear submarines are in a bad state of repair, with Dominic Cummings describing the situation as a “dangerous disaster and a budget nightmare of hard-to-believe and highly classified proportions”.
The UK’s nuclear weapons system is a shambles but that does not capture the absurdity and seriousness of its dangers.
The Royal Navy has difficulty keeping a submarine always on patrol, so has begun to extend the patrol times by months, with huge impact on crew welfare.
The longer at sea, the more mental and physical stress on the crew and the more chance of accidents. The older the submarine the more the risks of unplanned radioactive leaks and other such incidents.
And the cost. There are better things to spend the money on: the NHS, public services for children, restoring the environment.
We have produced a new suite of leaflets on the cost of nuclear weapons, which you can access below. Read for your own interest, and share with friends and family.
These leaflets were funded by the “Take the Target off Our Back” Crowdfunder – thank you to everyone who donated!
From 16th-22nd September, Scottish CND will mark the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Global Week of Action Against Nuclear spending.
Want to get involved?
Come along to a stall/event…
…or check out the link below for other campaigning ideas.