Antinuclear

Australian news, and some related international items

Labor senator speaks out on nuclear weapons danger of Australia selling uranium to India

Left fears uranium backflip will fuel arms race 1233 ABC  Newcastle, 19 Nov 11 A Victorian Labor Senator fears Australia will be fuelling a nuclear arms race if it lifts the ban on exporting uranium to India. Prime Minister Julia Gillard wants next month’s ALP conference to agree to change the policy, under the condition India only use it for peaceful purposes.

India possesses nuclear weapons but is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and current Labor policy prohibits selling uranium to any country that is not a signatory. But Senator Gavin Marshall says there is no doubt it will be used directly in India’s nuclear weapons program or to free up domestic supplies.

“Either way, Australian uranium assists in a nuclear arms race in that part of the world,” he said. “I don’t think that’s a responsible thing for this government to do.” He also does not buy the Prime Minister’s argument it would be good for jobs and disputes it would reduce poverty…..

Senator Marshall says those fighting the policy shift could still win the argument. The left convenor will meet with his other faction colleagues tomorrow. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-19/labor-left-fears-uranium-backflip-will-fuel-arms-race/3681338/?site=newcastle

November 19, 2011 - Posted by | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, politics, uranium

No comments yet.

Leave a comment