
What’s really driving the UK’s nuclear strategy?
Thu 17 Sept · 18:15
Institute for Safe Autonomy
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The Institute for Safe Autonomy in York is set to host a compelling public talk on Thursday, 17 September 2026, commencing at 6:15pm. This free community event will delve into the intricate motivations underpinning the United Kingdom's nuclear strategy. A key focus will be the examination of how significant military nuclear expenses are often obscured within the broader costs associated with civil nuclear energy. The discussion intends to illuminate the far-reaching consequences of this financial opacity. Specifically, it will explore how these concealed expenditures can subtly influence crucial policy decisions, potentially diverting resources and attention away from vital climate action initiatives. Furthermore, the event will consider the broader implications for democratic processes, questioning the transparency and accountability inherent in such complex financial arrangements. Attendees can expect an insightful exploration of these critical issues, fostering a deeper understanding of the UK's nuclear posture and its societal impact.
This talk reveals how military nuclear costs are hidden within civil energy bills, warping policy and harming climate action and democracy.
The Andrew Webster Lecture on Science, Technology and Society
Speaker: Professor Andrew Stirling, University of Sussex
This lecture will apply key approaches from science and technology studies to illuminate hidden drivers of energy policy in the UK and other countries. These methods will be used to examine how powerful interests are (in their own words) “masking” costs of expensive military nuclear activities behind flows of funding for a ‘civil’ “nuclear industrial base”. Strong evidence emerges from official sources and government-funded research that both public and expert imaginaries are being actively warped. As a result, electricity is made less affordable, energy less secure, electricity infrastructures more vulnerable and climate action slower, more costly and less effective than is otherwise possible. Extending far beyond energy and climate politics alone, grave implications arise for wider governance of science and technology and general democratic practice.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
If you require more than 5 tickets, please contact the Events Team who will be happy to help.
Please ensure you use the correct email address as this is where your ticket will be sent. If you do not provide the correct address, you will not receive the acknowledgement email or ticket.
Description supplied by the event organiser.
Weather on the day
Light drizzle · 14°C
Feels like 10°C · Chance of rain 20% · Wind 21 km/h
Forecast from Open-Meteo, updated 2 hours ago. Accuracy drops beyond a few days out.
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Staying overnight?
Hotels within walking distance of Institute for Safe Autonomy.
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Frequently asked questions
What’s really driving the UK’s nuclear strategy? takes place on Thursday, 17 September 2026 at 18:15.
What’s really driving the UK’s nuclear strategy? is held at Institute for Safe Autonomy in York (Deramore Lane, York, YO10 5GH).
Entry to What’s really driving the UK’s nuclear strategy? is free.
Tickets for What’s really driving the UK’s nuclear strategy? can be booked via Eventbrite using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.

What’s really driving the UK’s nuclear strategy?
Editorial Summary
The Institute for Safe Autonomy in York is set to host a compelling public talk on Thursday, 17 September 2026, commencing at 6:15pm. This free community event will delve into the intricate motivations underpinning the United Kingdom's nuclear strategy. A key focus will be the examination of how significant military nuclear expenses are often obscured within the broader costs associated with civil nuclear energy.
The discussion intends to illuminate the far-reaching consequences of this financial opacity. Specifically, it will explore how these concealed expenditures can subtly influence crucial policy decisions, potentially diverting resources and attention away from vital climate action initiatives. Furthermore, the event will consider the broader implications for democratic processes, questioning the transparency and accountability inherent in such complex financial arrangements. Attendees can expect an insightful exploration of these critical issues, fostering a deeper understanding of the UK's nuclear posture and its societal impact.
This summary was automatically generated from event data sourced from official ticketing providers.
Organiser’s full description
This talk reveals how military nuclear costs are hidden within civil energy bills, warping policy and harming climate action and democracy.
The Andrew Webster Lecture on Science, Technology and Society
Speaker: Professor Andrew Stirling, University of Sussex
This lecture will apply key approaches from science and technology studies to illuminate hidden drivers of energy policy in the UK and other countries. These methods will be used to examine how powerful interests are (in their own words) “masking” costs of expensive military nuclear activities behind flows of funding for a ‘civil’ “nuclear industrial base”. Strong evidence emerges from official sources and government-funded research that both public and expert imaginaries are being actively warped. As a result, electricity is made less affordable, energy less secure, electricity infrastructures more vulnerable and climate action slower, more costly and less effective than is otherwise possible. Extending far beyond energy and climate politics alone, grave implications arise for wider governance of science and technology and general democratic practice.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
If you require more than 5 tickets, please contact the Events Team who will be happy to help.
Please ensure you use the correct email address as this is where your ticket will be sent. If you do not provide the correct address, you will not receive the acknowledgement email or ticket.
Description supplied by the event organiser.
❓ Frequently asked questions
When is What’s really driving the UK’s nuclear strategy??
What’s really driving the UK’s nuclear strategy? takes place on Thursday, 17 September 2026 at 18:15.
Where is What’s really driving the UK’s nuclear strategy? taking place?
What’s really driving the UK’s nuclear strategy? is held at Institute for Safe Autonomy in York (Deramore Lane, York, YO10 5GH).
How much are tickets for What’s really driving the UK’s nuclear strategy??
Entry to What’s really driving the UK’s nuclear strategy? is free.
How do I get tickets for What’s really driving the UK’s nuclear strategy??
Tickets for What’s really driving the UK’s nuclear strategy? can be booked via Eventbrite using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.
🏨 Staying overnight?
Hotels within walking distance of Institute for Safe Autonomy
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Price
Free Entry
Date
Until Thursday, 17 September 2026
Time
Weather
feels like 10°C · chance of rain 20% · wind 21 km/h
EventsList curates 170,000+ events across the UK. Tickets purchased via the venue or authorised sellers only.
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