Arrests On Last Day of Faslane Nuclear Protest
Dozens of protesters have already been arrested at the Faslane Naval Base in Scotland on the last day of a year-long anti-nuclear blockade.Up to 1,000 demonstrators, including politicians, are expected at the Naval Base on the Clyde, home to the fleet of Trident nuclear submarines for the culmination of the campaign, dubbed Faslane 365.
Coach loads of protesters, who had vowed to mark the occasion through “colourful, creative and dramatic actions”, arrived at the main gates of the base shortly before 7am this morning, where they were met by a large police presence.
Strathclyde Police said 45 people had been arrested outside the base by 8.30am.
One of the protest’s organisers, Dr Rebecca Johnson, 52, said: “This is going to be totally non-violent, with a real carnival atmosphere.”
Some protesters blocked the entrance to the main gate by lying on the ground with their arms linked by tubes. Others blocked a nearby A-road. Barbed wire fences and anti-nuclear posters have also been erected.
Despite the clear festive atmosphere on display - which included stilt walkers, musicians, clowns and costumed demonstrators entertaining the crowds - many more arrests are expected during the course of the day.
Amongst protesters expected at the “Big Blockade” on Monday is Glasgow SNP MSP Sandra White.
She said: “I congratulate all those who have taken part in the Faslane 365 campaign this past year and been arrested for blockading the base.
“This is the most important event in the Scottish calendar this year because we can no longer afford both morally and financially to have these weapons of mass destruction on our shores.”
Scottish Green Party co-leader Robin Harper MSP, also planning to take part, said: “The use, the threat of use, and the planned replacement of Trident are all illegal.
“We should take a lead in fighting the wars of this century - the war against poverty, injustice and environmental destruction - not spend £25 billion on weapons of mass destruction aimed at civilians.
“This is a crucial economic, strategic and moral issue for Scotland and our voices must be heard.
“Trident is not wanted by UK citizens and I support this protest against Westminster’s increasingly disastrous foreign and defence policy.”
In total, the Faslane 365 action has led to more than 940 arrests since its inception, with a recent report claiming the costs of policing the base has exceeded £5 million.
© 2007 The Telegraph
The £ 25 billion is a joke -add 1 and make it at least £ 125 billion for the UK to remain in the Big Boys League. 1,700 nuclear weapons - enough to destroy Earth. Good Scotland, get rid of this horrendous arsenal. Funny that the Moderator of the Kirk of Scotland soundly and publicy denounced the Prime Minister Browne, himself a Son of the Manse over nuclear weapons and it was never reported in the Press. No wonder they want to tap our phones.
Congratulations to all Fastlane protesters!!
For more on Weapons of Mass Destruction go to that chapter (page 717) and read or download it for free.
www.amoralamerica.info
Saludos desde Puerto Rico
Bravo to the compa/neros in Faslane! I hope that they might attain their goal and make Scotland nuclear weapons free.
I stand in solidarity with you. In the same way that the folks at Faslane stood in solidarity with Puerto Ricans when we made the US Navy stop the bombing of our island municipality of Vieques.
Those on top of the food chain seem to have elimated protests and independent news. The internet will be the next threat to be silenced.
What’s the biggest difference between the FBI and the KGB?
Ans: The signatures on the paychecks