A couple of campaign wins - on Trident and the Green Bank? Well, possibly, maybe - read on...
1. Trident
The Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) has just given us the welcome news that plans to replace Trident have been put on hold and reductions will be made to our existing nuclear weapons. "Five year delay" shouted the papers who widely interpreted the move as a compromise to keep the coalition government together.
The reality is that in the face of military cuts and a National Security Review (which concluded the threats we face are cyber crime, terrorism, a foreign crisis "drawing in Britain", and natural disasters) it’s hard to imagine how David Cameron could have ticked the yes box on spending £97bn replacing Trident
In reality, this bumps the decision into the next Government (NIMTO = 'Not In My Term of Office'?) although the first tranche of related contracts seem to be due to go ahead later this year anyway, while the Financial Times hinted at deals being done with BAE Systems, to 'assure' them that three Trident replacement submarines will be built.
It’s not hard to imagine flashing forward to 2016 and imagining the defence minister standing up and admitting that canceling Trident makes no sense as the majority of funds are already committed and that cancellation will cost rather than save money.
That’s why Greenpeace are pushing for a full review of our national nuclear policy – one that addresses the question famously posed by Field Marshal Lord Carver: "Trident - what the bloody hell is it for?"
For more on this, including the farce surrounding aircraft carriers ('Fawlty Powers' anyone?, look here.
2. George Osborne's promises
Following the Treasury action, and subsequent emailing, we know George Osborne got the message - giving his speech on government he said:
“Yesterday, protesters scaled the Treasury urging us to proceed with our idea for a Green Investment Bank. Mr Speaker, it's the first time anyone has protested in favour of a bank.”
He went on to say the government was going to setup the bank. But only with £1bn. And even that only comes in 2013.
So, there's still a long way to go until we have a green bank that has the power and independence to support low-carbon programmes across the country, especially as independent analysts say the back needs £4-6bn to be effective.
George hasn't fulfilled his green promises - not yet... For more, look here.
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