Report: UK can make 16,000 nuclear bombs

THE UK has stockpiled enough highly toxic plutonium to make more than 16,000 nuclear bombs, according to a Royal Society report.

The stockpile of separated plutonium, mainly the by-product of reprocessed spent fuel from power plants across the country, has almost doubled in the past 10 years to more than 100 tonnes — despite the society raising concerns about it nine years ago.

The society has warned the potential consequences of an accident or security breach involving the stockpile are so serious the government must urgently launch a strategy for its disposal or long-term use.