Sunak Announces Major Initiative for Nuclear Energy, Submarines

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Facts

  • UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has declared a "national endeavour" for a £763M (US$964M) investment in nuclear energy by 2030, including over £200M ($252M) to secure Barrow as the site for the UK's nuclear submarine building.1
  • The program, which will partner with companies including BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, EDF, and Babcock, is projected to create over 8K career opportunities and fill 40K new jobs by 2030. The Barrow Transformation Fund will also receive a minimum of £20M a year for ten years.2
  • While the Barrow facility will receive £200M, the government will invest another £353M ($446M) in apprenticeships and skills training in the military and civil nuclear industries, to bolster the nuclear deterrent against the Russian threat.3
  • The Barrow facility is leading the development of the UK's Astute-class nuclear submarines as well as the Dreadnought and "AUKUS" nuclear submarine program — a joint venture between Australia, the UK, and the US.4
  • While the defense aspect is aimed at making the Dreadnought nuclear deterrent submarines serviceable by the early 2030s, the additional £20M will go towards local community projects in Barrow-in-Furnace, including building homes and transportation as well as supporting local schools.1

Sources: 1GOV.UK, 2Independent, 3Fortune Europe, and 4Westmorland and Furness Council.

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by The Telegraph. The UK is living up to its promises alongside the US and Australia. As China grows increasingly aggressive on the nuclear weapons front, Western military superpowers must stay ahead by developing state-of-the-art nuclear submarines, which is where the Barrow facility steps in with the help of BAE Systems and Rolls Royce. The UK is creating a world-class green energy sector that not only powers economies but also protects them from their nuclear-powered enemies.
  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by We Don't Have Time. The UK should be commended for investing in nuclear energy, which is one of the most important renewable sources for combating and mitigating climate change. However, any money spent on nuclear power should be directed into renewable energy rather than armaments. It is not only the safest and best decision, but the Non-Proliferation Treaty of the twentieth century compels nuclear-armed countries not to enhance their nuclear weapon capabilities.

Predictions