On 18th October the Queen's visited Sheffield and the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in the Advanced Manufacturing Park at Catcliffe, was greeted by protestors.
The press release for the event didn't mention the arms industry related work that takes place there but simply stated that, "The Nuclear AMRC is a new collaboration between the University of Sheffield and the University of Manchester, with the backing of the Government and leading companies involved in building the new generation of civil nuclear power stations."
The day before, Stuart Parkinson, executive director of Scientists for Global Responsibility, speaking at the Sheffield CND AGM exposed the often used argument about job creation for facilities of this nature — only 3,000 are employed in the defence sector in the Yorkshire and Humberside region and the money invested could generate far more jobs in sustainable industries.
Newswire: Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre Protest | Protest at the Queen's visit to the Rotherham Death Park | Royal Visit to Death Park! 18th Nov. 2010 | Nuclear Dawn at Rotherhams Advanced Manufacturing Park | Stuart Parkinson: Arms Conversion for a Low Carbon Economy
More information from the newswire:
"This sick global research facility is the experiment centre of heavy construction, nuclear, aerospace and defense corporations. Boeing, Rolls Royce, BAE, and UK and US Military all have their talons in this centre supported by the Sheffield and Manchester Uni's. Casting Technology International one of the businesses already operating at the park makes parts for 'drones' (unmanned aerial and ground vehicles) on site as well as other defence hardware for such instruments of death as the Taranis Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle, the Joint Strike Fighter, the M777 Lightweight Howitzer and the Future Naval Gun."
"We say........."
"SHUT IT DOWN - The Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. In this little town they have built a death park that is home to Rolls Royce, The AMP Technology Centre or its other name The Advanced (NUCLEAR) Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing, CAMTEC and others including sheffield and manchester uni's. (please stand up and say something on this topic local students!!!)"
"Amongst other shit they are making parts for unmanned land and air drones and carrying out nuclear research BOO! The parts are for US and UK military and we all know they cause death and destuction. As you read on you will find that they are also making a 3D replica of king tut. The root of this park is next generation military shit greedy technology much like avatar"
"The park is inviting companies to rent space for free for 18 months as part of their drive to get similar businesses on board. They are offering huge spaces big enough for a lovely party."
"Here's the ad, 'UK Strategic Partnership, Yorkshire Forward and the AMP Project Team are delighted to be able to offer 18 months of rent free accommodation in the newly completed Evolution @ the AMP development - brand new ‘Grade A' manufacturing space from 300 to 1100 square metres.We can also offer assistance with making this space suit your business' bespoke requirements. The AMP Team would be pleased to discuss this initiative with you - this initiative is time limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis."
"Local papers only report the positive advances made in miltary tech and nuclear research and the 500 jobs that the park supposably created."
"Local people have held a stall at Rotherham show to try and raise awareness."
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