Vigilance can report authoritatively that MoD will sustain its commitment to the nuclear deterrent by continuing to invest £1 billion a year on facilities at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE).
A spokesperson at the MoD told the AWE is central to the development and maintenance of the UK’s nuclear capability, Trident. Scientists at the Berkshire site are involved from the initial concept and design of the warheads, through manufacture and support to their decommissioning and disposal, adding the MoD has now reached an agreement with AWE Management Limited (AWEML) - the joint venture contracted to manage and operate the site in 2000 - for a further priced period of work under its existing 25-year contract.
Vigilance learnt this agreement, which will see the MoD invest £1 billion a year over the next five years, provides important further investment in skills and facilities at the company’s site in Aldermaston and Burghfield, Berkshire, where more than 4,500 staff are based.
It was also gathered that around 40 per cent of this money will be invested in essential capital projects, including production and research facilities. The remainder will be spent on operating and maintaining the AWE.
Defence Equipment and Support Minister, Peter Luff, said: “Atomic Weapons Establishment is a centre of scientific and technological excellence, with some of the most advanced research, design and production facilities in the world. This investment announced today will help maintain 4,500 jobs and a key capability, which is essential for our national security.”
The investment will enable AWE to perform its vital work in support of the UK’s nuclear deterrent until March 2018, when another priced period of work will be agreed.
Headley Court to roll out the red carpet for injured service personnel with new cinema complex
In another development Vigilance gathered that the Royal British Legion, the nation’s leading Armed Forces charity, is partnering with MediCinema to open a new state of the art cinema and entertainment centre this summer for injured Service personnel at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court.
According to a source at the RBL the plans to adapt part of the Grade 2 listed building were given the green light this week and will create the first ever fully digital, 3D system dedicated to Service personnel undergoing rehabilitation.
The new cinema complex will show Hollywood blockbusters and films on current release up to three times a week. It is hoped that it will be up and running in time to screen the London 2012 Games this summer.
Our Defence team learnt that the 50-seat cinema will have full wheelchair access, with some seats accessible by steps to help those redeveloping their mobility. It will make a significant contribution to the recuperation of Service personnel by providing them with some much needed entertainment during their rehabilitation.
The Legion has funded £420,000 towards the capital and operating costs of the cinema which Medicinema will build and manage.
Stephen Moore, MediCinema’s Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to be providing a cinema of the highest quality at Headley Court. It has only been made possible by the generous support we’ve been given by so many people in the film industry as well as The Royal British Legion.”
Whilst Sue Freeth, Director of Health and Welfare at The Royal British Legion, said: “Injured Service personnel at already receive the best medical care and rehabilitation and now The Royal British Legion and MediCinema are joining forces to give them the best entertainment experience, through a new state of the art cinema. Rehabilitation is not only a huge physical challenge, but involves recuperating mentally as well. This excellent new facility will assist our brave Service personnel in doing just that.”
Commanding Officer of Headley Court, Group Captain Clare Walton said: “This is a truly generous gesture from both The Royal British Legion and MediCinema. Service personnel undergoing rehabilitation here will, I am sure, be delighted to have their own cinema where they can enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbusters, hook up their games consoles to the big screen and enjoy sports and other programmes in the facility.”