Nuclear – Page 4 – Earth First!

Dawn blockade leaves nuclear workers locked out – Hinkley blockaded today

Via South West Against Nuclear

23/11/12

Dawn blockade leaves nuclear workers locked out

Via South West Against Nuclear

23/11/12

Dawn blockade leaves nuclear workers locked out

At 6am this morning 10 protestors blockaded access to EDF energy's nuclear sites at Hinkley Point, preventing the morning shift from starting work. 4 people in arm locks formed a barrier across the main access road at Wick Moor Drove in a bid to prevent further ground clearance work at the planned Hinkley C site and to protest at EDF's plan to extend the life of aging reactors at the Hinkley B station.

Sitting beneath a banner saying "Nuclear Power – not worth the risk" Bristol tree-surgeon Zoe Smith said, "We want the destruction of land at the proposed Hinkley C site to stop. EDF still don't have planning permission for the new nuclear plant, the governments energy policy is in tatters. With Centrica pulling out and the long awaited Electricity Reform Act delayed, there is not even enough investment to finish the project. If the tories fix the electricity price for nuclear so that the project can go ahead it will leave a radioactive waste dump here for hundreds of years." The early morning blockade caused long tailbacks for scores of workers contracted in to perform maintenance work on the the existing reactors at Hinkley B, EDF have signalled their intention to re-licence the reactor again in 2016.

Bridgwater mum Nikki Clark from South West Against Nuclear said, "Not only do we not need new nuclear, we certainly don't need to extend the life of the existing reactors even further. Just this year alone reactor no 4 in the B station has scrammed at least three times. EDF like to call these emergency shutdowns 'unplanned outages' but this deliberately conceals the fact that these ageing reactors are now in a dangerous condition. In 2008 the regulators threatened British Energy with closure of the site. The reactors do not have any fewer cracks in the graphite core now than they did then. Do we have to have our own Fukushimahere in Somersetbefore we abandon this insanity and embrace a renewables revolution in the UK?"

Stop Hinkley spokesperson Theo Simon said, "We support this protest. New nuclear is dead in the water. We need public investment in a renewables revolution which could create a million climate jobs and cut energy bills through a programme of home insulation and energy-efficiency. With it's massive marine energy resource, West Somersetis perfectly placed to lead the way in renewables, but EDF's plans would turn it into a toxic waste dump for our grandchildren."

Via South West Against Nuclear
Protestors are blocking the road outside Hinkley Point TODAY
Friday, 23 November, 2012, 7:52

Protestors are blocking the road outside Hinkley Point TODAY stopping the workers entering the site. Listen to BBC Somerset report 7.40am. Pass on the word those who want to take a flask of coffee to them, greatly received.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/radio/bbc_radio_somerset_sound/listenlive

EF! Winter Moot 2013: 22-24th February, near Preston

A weekend get-together for people involved in ecological direct action, from fighting opencast coal, fracking, GM, nuclear power to road building. There’ll be discussions and campaign planning – with the emphasis on the tactics and strategies we use, community solidarity and sustainable activism.

Update: full transport details and programme at link below.

(India) Anti-Nuclear Fishermen

On 22nd September 3,000 fishermen and anti-nuclear activists aboard 500 boats attempted to blockade a port to prevent the unloading of nuclear fuel into the recently constructed Kudankulam nuclear power plant located on the Tamil Nadu coast in southern India.

This massive power plant is a joint venture between India and Russia and houses two nuclear pressurized water reactors (PWR) reactors, with future plans to construct four additional reactors at the site.

This has resulted in a period of sustained direct action by local residents, strongly opposed to the plant's construction. Over a million people live within 30 km of the proposed plant. Over the last year demonstrators have endured severe repression as over 10,000 police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in the area. Villagers have been beaten, hundreds have been arrested and some activists face charges of sedition and even of waging war against the government. In April the police cut off the water, food and power-supply to protesting villagers and imposed a curfew in the villages at the heart of the resistance.

At this point the Peoples Movement Against Nuclear Enegy (PMANE) called off their protests hoping for some respite for the people. They filed a public interest litigation against the governments civil nuclear program complaining that the plant itself was unsafe, that there has not been a public hearing and thus it is an authoritarian project imposed upon the people. Unfortunately their pleas were ignored and when the Indian government announced that the loading of fuel into the plant would begin on or around 11th September the people immediately sprung into action.

CHAIN REACTION

On 10th September thousands of anti-nuclear protesters marched towards the power plant, many were injured by the police who lobbed tear-gas shells into the crowd, while at Manappadu police fired into the crowd and a fisherman was shot and killed. On the 13th hundreds of protesters formed a human chain in the sea to protest at the loading of the fuel, staying in for two hour intervals in shifts. They demanded the release of all arrestees, compensation for those injured by the police and an end to the police repression.

One major fact is that there are more than one million people living within a 30km radius of the plant, which in the event of a disaster would make the evacuation of the population impossible. This far exceeds the recommendations of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and so the plant should never have been built there. Not that this will worry the Russian firm that supplied and built the reactor as the Indian government agreed that they will have zero liability in the event of an accident. (Similar conditions apply to power companies responsible for major civic emergencies in the UK)

Beyond their legitimate safety concerns, villagers have other reasons to be angry. The government has invested millions on a new hospital and other facilities exclusively for plant empoyees, meanwhile the rest of the locals live in squalor lacking even basic facilities such as running water.

The Indian government has attempted to discredit the movement complaining that foreign organisations are agitating the local people and that this should not be allowed. Despite all of this further demonstrations are planned for the coming weeks and they are not giving up.

Anti-nuclear activists claims major victory in mass trespass

8 October 2012

At least eight protesters have been arrested during a mass trespass at the Hinkley Point nuclear power station in Somerset.

More than 50 people swooped on the perimeter fence of the land earmarked for two new EPR mega-reactors next to the existing power plant just after dawn.

8 October 2012

At least eight protesters have been arrested during a mass trespass at the Hinkley Point nuclear power station in Somerset.

More than 50 people swooped on the perimeter fence of the land earmarked for two new EPR mega-reactors next to the existing power plant just after dawn.

Dozens fanned out around the 5-miles long fence while others held banners and placards outside the main security gate. A 14-foot banner reading, “Nuclear disaster zone. Boycott EDF” was hung across the gate.

At 11am a total of 577 seed balls were thrown over the fence onto the construction area in a symbolic attempt to repair the damage already caused to the land. The seed balls represent the number of days since the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan.

Around 10 people are known to be still on the land owned by EDF Energy. Many others are expected to join them later on today.

The mood has been relaxed and celebratory. “This is a major victory for the anti-nuclear movement,” said Camilla Berens, spokesperson for the Stop New Nuclear Alliance. ‘Because the government has refused to listen to us and we have been forced to raise the game. We have successfully blockaded the main entrance to Hinkley Point on two occasion in the last year and now we have accomplished a mass trespass. Our message today is that we will continue to raise the game with peaceful protest until our voice in heard.”

More info at Stop New Nuclear and Stop Hinkley

Reclaim Hinkley – 8 October 2012 – MASS TRESPASS, MASS CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

No New Nuclear – International call out

Join us in an act of mass civil disobedience as we trespass on the proposed site of Hinkley C nuclear power station in Somerset.

No New Nuclear – International call out

Join us in an act of mass civil disobedience as we trespass on the proposed site of Hinkley C nuclear power station in Somerset.

EDF Energy is already trashing fragile Somerset countryside in preparation for the Hinkley C nuclear power station – even though it hasn’t got planning permission to start building.

SOWING THE SEEDS OF DISSENT

This mass action is for anyone who feels able to publicly trespass – or bear witness to the mass trespass by joining us around the perimeter fence. We need people who are prepared to be arrested.

We also need people to support those who are trespassing by gathering around the perimeter fence. We will be providing legal briefings and support for any trespassers who are arrested.

Our aim is to make the trespass as safe and dignified as possible. All our activities are bound by the principles of non-violent direct action. We are holding a camp immediately before the trespass so that everyone involved has a voice in planning the action itself.

On the day of the trespass, we will attempt to reintroduce some of the biodiversity that has been stripped through EDFs premature preliminary works.

Once inside we will scatter wildflowers and other species native to this site. By showing your support for an end to nuclear power, you are part a growing movement that is exposing this corrupt government policy that puts profits before safety.

EDF is Eagerly Destroying Fields even though it doesn’t yet have permission to build the reactors – nor does it have approval for the reactor design, or even a final investment decision.

The new EPR reactor design will produce radioactive waste that is so toxic that it will have to be stored on site for over 100 years. The dangers associated with flooding, terrorist attack and accidental leakage are totally unacceptable.

NO MORE NUCLEAR BAILOUTS

The movement against the government's so-called 'nuclear renaissance' is winning….but we must keep up the pressure. Out of the eight new nuclear power stations supported by the coalition government when it came into power, only two are still on the table: Hinkley in Somerset and Sizewell in Suffolk.

French-owned EDF Energy – the owner of Hinkley and Sizewell – is pressuring the government to increase the range of hidden subsidies on offer in a desperate bid to attract interest from sceptical investors. THIS MUST NOT HAPPEN.

If EDF gets its way, it will be a double whammy for us – and for future generations. It will mean we pay twice: once as taxpayers and once as consumers through our energy bills.

We say put the £60bn earmarked for 'new nuclear' into a cleaner, greener, fairer future. The way forward is through energy reduction and greater investment into research and development to make renewable energy and energy storage fit for the 21st century.

We need to create a long term sustainable energy plan that is based on meeting people's needs rather than making profits for investors. In May, energy secretary Charles Hendry told ministers at a select committee hearing that the government’s energy policy would be robust enough without including nuclear in the mix. It's time we moved energy policy forwards rather than backwards.

NUCLEAR IS NOT THE ANSWER

….Chernobyl
The crisis is far from over: the sarcophagus covering the doomed Russian reactor is falling apart. Only this year, governments finally approved the funding for a new one. The human population in the most heavily contaminated territories is in decline. In Belarus 80% of children were born healthy before Chernobyl. Now, just 26 years later, only 20% of children are born healthy.

…..Fukushima
Thanks to people power, all of Japan's reactors have now been turned off. For the first time in over half a century Japan is nuclear free. However, the crisis at Fukushima is far from over.

The Japanese people are footing the bill. The company behind the power station, Tepco, has had to be re-nationalised because of the spiralling cost of compensation and the ongoing attempts to stabilise the reactors.
Many people are still living in heavily contaminated areas that should have been evacuated.
Food across Japan is heavily contaminated and people are being encouraged to support the farmers of Fukushima by eating it.
The triple meltdown is still in full swing.
All of the fuel pools in reactors 1,2,3 & 4 are in bad condition.
The pool in reactor 4 is of particular concern. Thousands of highly radioactive spent fuel rods are at risk of further explosions. If such an event occurs, high levels of radioactive contamination could spread as far as Tokyo and wipe out Japan's commercial infrastructure.

WE WANT A FUTURE, NOT A DISASTER

More information coming soon.

Subscribe to our newsletter and get regular updates on the trespass plan and the latest developments in the campaign against 'new nuclear'. Please send any queries to: campaign@stopnewnuclear.org.uk or call our hotline on: 07527-219476

(India) Police Kill Anti-Nuke Protester in India, Resistance Continues to Grow

A group of fisherfolk staging “jal satyagraha” in the sea, against the Kudankulam nuclear power project at Veerapandianpattinam coast in Tuticorin district on Friday. (Photo: N.Rajesh)

Despite the killing of an anti-nuclear protester by police on Monday, hundreds of protesters forming a human chain stood in sea waters today, for the second day in a row, demanding a halt to preparations for fuel loading into the reactor of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) in Tuticorin district.

The Hindu.com reported that women and men would stand in the sea waters for two hours in turns. Pushparayan, leader of the People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE) has been spearheading the year-long agitation.

Indian police officers detain a protestor after they baton charged residents protesting against the Russian built Kudamkulam nuclear plant on the Bay of Bengal coast at Kudamkulam, Tamil Nadu state, India, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. (AP Photo)

The Coast Guard aircraft and ships maintained surveillance at sea off nearby Idinthakarai as the villagers stood in waist and neck deep water.

Taking cue from a similar protest demanding land as compensation and reduction of Omkareshwar Dam recently by villagers of Khandwa district in Madhya Pradesh, PMANE launched their jal satyagraha (water civil disobedience) on Thursday, marking a new turn in their agitation, which was intensified after preparations for fuel loading into the plant was announced.

More than 4,000 police personnel, bolstered by the paramilitary Rapid Action Force, continued to maintain a strict vigil, having almost sealed the entire Kudankulam town.

Meanwhile, police have been seeking to arrest S.P. Udayakumar, the convener of PMANE, in attempt to quell the protests. They have already arrested a close associate of Udayakumar in Chennai last week for trying to “instigate” the fishermen to join the stir against Nuclear Power Project.

Mr. Udayakumar had allegedly announced that he would surrender on Tuesday night, but seems to have changed his mind. Police said they would continue their search.

Earlier this week, state officials say Indian police fired at protesters near this nuclear power plant being constructed in southern India, killing one person.

The Tamil Nadu state government says police fired Monday to disperse about 2,000 people who were demonstrating against the loading of nuclear fuel in the Russian-built reactor. It says the protesters threw stones and sticks at police near the Kudankulam Project, and five officers were injured.

Construction of the plant has been delayed by protests in the past year by residents and anti-nuclear groups concerned about safety following the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster in Japan last year.

The government says the plant, about 700 kilometers (440 miles) south of Chennai, the state capital, will meet safety standards.

The following video shows recent coverage of the jal satyagraha actions against hydroelectric dams which have become an inspiration to movements throughout the region:

Solidarity with Japanese anti-nuclear protests

Sixteen anti-nuclear protesters – half of them Japanese – gathered outside the Japanese embassy in Piccadilly, London on Friday morning (10 August), for the second week running, in a demonstration organised by London-based group Kick Nuclear. This was in solidarity with weekly demonstrations taking place outside the Prime Minister's offices in Tokyo and elsewhere in Japan against the restarting of nuclear reactors as the Fukushima crisis continues. The weekly numbers taking part in those protests have now swelled to well over 70,000.

See also:

film of anti-nuke protest at japan embassy – by Rikki

Upcoming actions and events:

– Friday 17 August, 9.30-11.30am – Anti-nuclear solidarity protest at Embassy of Japan, 101-104 Piccadilly, London W1:

– 23 August – 1 September – Buddhist-led peace walk towards a nuclear-free future, Aldermaston Atomic Weapons Establishment, Berkshire to Hinkley Point nuclear power station, Somerset.

– Tuesday 28 August, 7.30-9.30pm – Kick Nuclear open night

– with guest speaker from Indian anti-nuclear movement

Venue: London Action Resource Centre (LARC) – (ground floor)
62 Fieldgate Street, (corner of Parfett Street), Whitechapel, London E1 1ES
Nearest Stations:- Whitechapel / Aldgate East / Aldgate / Shadwell: Map

This event is open to new folks and old hands alike to come and discuss the latest from the murky world of nuclear energy and nuclear new build, share news about protests and actions that have been taking place in the UK and elsewhere, and plot how we can put a few spanners in the works.

Come and join us!

– Tuesday 25 September – Benefit gig: David Rovics – Songs of Social Significance, with support from The Noo and Mr Creedy – presented by Kick Nuclear and friends

Doors 7pm
Tickets: £5 on the door

(Listen to and download David Rovics songs for free at http://www.davidrovics.com )

– Stop New Nuclear camp and mass action against nuclear new build at Hinkley Point, Somerset, 5-8 October 2012.

http://stopnewnuclear.org.uk

Olkiluoto Blockade Sat 11 Aug and Nuclear Camp 6-13 Aug, 2012 in Finland!

From uranium mining to nuclear waste storage, nuclear power poses a health
risk to current and future generations alike. We refuse to be part of this
costly and dangerous experiment which mainly serves the interests of big
industry. We therefore demand a nuclear power phase-out.

On August 11, people are going to block the roads to Olkiluoto nuclear

From uranium mining to nuclear waste storage, nuclear power poses a health risk to current and future generations alike. We refuse to be part of this costly and dangerous experiment which mainly serves the interests of big industry. We therefore demand a nuclear power phase-out.

On August 11, people are going to block the roads to Olkiluoto nuclear power plant in Eurajoki. Previous years have seen people blocking the roads using banners, drumming, performances and non-violent direct action.

You can join the demonstration in any way you like, with no obligation to participate in civil disobedience. Make sure not to bring with you anything that could be classed as a weapon. No alcohol or drugs in the demonstration. Everyone is asked to refrain from any form of violence, sexism, racism and provocations.

This year the action day is preceded by an international anti-nuclear camp, held at a local farmhouse. The camp program includes practical and informative workshops, such as the current situation of Japan's nuclear disaster and introducing the movement against mining in Finland. The guest speakers, documentaries and workshops during the week will illustrate the international anti-nuclear movement and provide skills and tools for local campaigning.

There will be a special program for children, and babysitting help available. As well as yummy vegan food, sauna, crafting, live bands and sharing struggles for a nuclear free future!

Welcome!

See full program here: http://olkiluotoblockade2012.wordpress.com/english/

Sign up for the camp at olbcamp (at) riseup.net You will get driving instructions upon signing up. Ask more from the info number: + 358 40 461 9154

Recommended prices: Whole camp 7 days: 30-60 EUR Includes three meals per day, program and basic accommodation in tents/indoors

Alternatively 1 day: 5-8EUR 1 meal: 3-5EUR Children under 10 years for free.

Shared rides:

We also recommend to take your own car/bike/minibus to the camp and demonstration. If you need a ride or can offer one, notify us at: olkiluotoblockade (at) riseup.net

From Tampere: a minibus leaves to the camp on Monday Aug 6 at 18.00 and on Friday 10 Aug at 12:00. You can reserve seats at olkiluotoblockade (at) riseup.net

From Helsinki: The Union of Conscientious Objectors organises a bus on Friday Aug 10, starting at 11.30. from Rauhanasema, the Peace Station in Pasila. Reserve seats at toimisto (at) akl-web.fi or by calling +358 (0)40 836 27 86. More info on the bus from Helsinki: http://akl-web.fi/tapahtumat/olkiluotoblockade2012

From Turku this same bus leaves on Aug 10 at 14.00 in front of the Railway station. Reserve seats from toimisto@akl-web.fi or call +358 (0)40 836 27 86 More info: http://akl-web.fi/tapahtumat/olkiluotoblockade2012

****** SEND THIS FORWARD! ******

Reclaim Hinkley – 8-9 October 2012

When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty."

MASS TRESPASS – MASS CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

No New Nuclear – International call out

Join us in an act of mass civil disobedience as we trespass on the proposed site of Hinkley C nuclear power station in Somerset.

When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty."

MASS TRESPASS – MASS CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

No New Nuclear – International call out

Join us in an act of mass civil disobedience as we trespass on the proposed site of Hinkley C nuclear power station in Somerset.

EDF Energy is already trashing fragile Somerset countryside in preparation for the Hinkley C nuclear power station – even though it hasn’t got planning permission to start building.

SOWING THE SEEDS OF DISSENT

This mass action is for anyone who feels able to publicly trespass – or bear witness to the mass trespass by joining us around the perimeter fence. We need people who are prepared to be arrested. We also need people to support those who are trespassing by gathering around the perimeter fence. We will be providing legal briefings and support for any trespassers who are arrested.

On the day of the trespass, we will attempt to reintroduce some of the biodiversity that has been stripped through EDFs premature preliminary works. Once inside we will scatter wildflowers and other species native to this site. By showing your support for an end to nuclear power, you are part a growing movement that is exposing this corrupt government policy that puts profits before safety.

EDF is Eagerly Destroying Fields even though it doesn’t yet have permission to build the reactors – nor does it have approval for the reactor design, or even a final investment decision.

NO MORE NUCLEAR BAILOUTS

If EDF gets its way, it will be a double whammy for us – and for future generations. It will mean we pay twice: once as taxpayers and once as consumers through our energy bills.

NUCLEAR IS NOT THE ANSWER

The Japanese people are footing the bill. The company behind the power station, Tepco, has had to be re-nationalised because of the spiralling cost of compensation and the ongoing attempts to stabilise the reactors.
Many people are still living in heavily contaminated areas that should have been evacuated.
Food across Japan is heavily contaminated and people are being encouraged to support the farmers of Fukushima by eating it.
The triple meltdown is still in full swing.
All of the fuel pools in reactors 1,2,3 & 4 are in bad condition.
The pool in reactor 4 is of particular concern. Thousands of highly radioactive spent fuel rods are at risk of further explosions. If such an event occurs, high levels of radioactive contamination could spread as far as Tokyo and wipe out Japan's commercial infrastructure.

WE WANT A FUTURE, NOT A DISASTER

More information coming soon.

Action round-up from Faslane anti-nuke action month

Four Olympic Gold Medal Winners arrested at Faslane Naval Base on Monday 11th June!

The four women from Glasgow and Edinburgh are members of the Gareloch Hortis peace group which was taking part in thirty days of actions to mark thirty years of Faslane Peace Camp’s protest against Trident nuclear weapons. The group staged the Peace Olympics with events as varied as synchronised swimming and putting the Haggis.

The medallists were arrested during the Tug of Peace across the North Gate of the base.

The event drew attention to the continued presence of the illegal and deadly weapons in Scotland, and all eight other nuclear nations. The winners’ podium highlighted that the only way to win the Race for Peace is to lay down the weapons of mass destruction.

Activists blockade Faslane Naval Base

19.6.2012

Today at 7 o’ clock in the morning activists of the Faslane Peacecamp blockaded the Trident Naval Base. Three people locked on in front of the South Gate. From the original five people at the North Gate two were arrested immediately while the rest were able to blockade one lane of the road. The blockade lasted about 90 minutes.

A spokesperson said on behalf of the Peace Camp: ” We are having this blockade today because we want to show our opposition against nuclear weapons. We express our fear and our anger in a nonviolent way. We ask the British government to listen to the opinion of the majority of Scottish people and MSP’s. The People do not want Trident! They do not want this base with it’s nuclear weapons in Scotland. Due to the fact that in the next few years Scottish independence may be achieved now is the time to put pressure upon the British government. Instead of starting to put money into a Trident replacement we want them to shut down the Faslane Naval Base and stop their nuclear weapons program.”

An international activist added: “This blockade was a very international one. People from all parts of Britain and activists from Spain and Sweden were involved. I think that it is my right and my duty as a global citizen to do nonviolent direct actions against nuclear weapons as long as our governments do not fulfill their duty and stop fighting wars. Nuclear weapons are illegal by international humanitarian law and I want all countries to respect this and make a step to a more peaceful world.”

This blockade is part of the 30 days of action from the 9th June to the 9th July. To find out more about what has happened and will happen in the future visit our blog.

http://faslanepeacecamp.wordpress.com/

Faslane Peace Campers Trespass at Coulport Nuclear Weapons Depot

15/06/2012

Angus Chalmers and Leonna O'Neill of Faslane Peace Camp entered RNAD Coulport in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

They left the camp on foot at approximately 10pm with the intentions of seeing how close they could get to Coulport under the cover of darkness. By the time they were approaching the outer fence perimeter the two still hadn't been apprehended or detected by security or any of the night vision cctv cameras, and so decided to continue to see how far luck (or the ineptitudes of the security system on what should be the most heavily guarded naval depot in the UK) would get them.

They decided to approach the Explosives Handling Jetty via the shore line and entered by wading water and climbing a razor wire fence. At this point they decided to walk visibly and announce themselves to the first police they saw. To their surprise they were met with zero security personnel and were able to access a jetty a matter of feet from the Explosives Handling Jetty where the Trident nuclear warheads are loaded to the Vangaurd submarines.

Angus climbed a further fence into the establishment setting off the bandit alarm and alerting the MOD security and cctv camera operators. Both were soon apprehended by MOD police and arrested and charged with miilitary by-laws and the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (SOCPA). Both were held in custody until court on Thursday afternoon where the SOCPA charges were dropped and they pleaded not guilty to the by-laws charges.

Leonna and Angus said "This is evidence that the Couport Nuclear Weapons Depot is unsafe. The capacity for this technology to irreperably destroy life and the environment should be reason enough to ensure that it is safe guarded and protected in a way that does not allow for human error or complacency. The relative ease at which we were able to approach and enter Coulport on foot and the close proximatey we were able to get to the Explosives Handling Jetty is surprising and disturbing".

Faslane Peace Camp and Trident Ploughshares Trespass at Faslane Naval Base

2/07/2012

Seven activists from Faslane Peace Camp and Trident Ploughshares entered Faslane naval base this morning with four members of the group slipping past guards and reaching points up to 100 yards inside the base. A further two were arrested in the attempt.

At 7am this morning Faslane Peace Camp and Trident Ploughshares activists attended the North gate of the Faslane Naval Base to serenade the approaching morning shift staff with peace and nuclear disarmament songs. The act doubled as a ruse to enable fifteen of the group to attempt entering the base. One TP activist, Brian Larkin, succeeded in gaining entry to the base whilst the rest were prevented from doing so by Minitsry of Defence and Strathclyde police.

Brian was charged with breach of SOCPA, the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act, and miliatry by-laws and later released on an undertaking. Upon being released Larkin said “the serious organised crime happens inside the base and not in these actions for peace and disarmament. It is the ongoing deployment of Trident submarines – each carrying 48 warheads, eight times more destructive than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima which killed 200,000 people – that constitutes serious organised crime and violates every principle of humanity in international law.”

In a show of the same relentless persistence that has kept the Peace Camp and the anti-nuclear movement going over the years, the group later returned to make a second attempt at breaching the North Gate. Two were arrested during the attempt whilst six gained entry, four of which reaching up to 100 yards inside the base.

The bandit alarm was activated and the Naval Base was locked down, preventing traffic from entering the base and normal operations to continue within the base for 45 minutes. The action was part of the Peace Camp’s 30 Days of Action marking 30 years of continuous resistance to nuclear weapons at Faslane. Thirty people have been arrested in the campaign which began on 9 June. Nine people were arrested today.

It is not yet clear what the other eight will be charged with but a breach of SOCPA charge is likely in addition to breaching military by-laws. Angus Chalmers of the Fasland Peace Camp said “This land has been fenced and designated as a SOCPA area in order to make possible the serious crime of deploying Trident.” Margaret Bremner of the Trident Ploughshares Gareloch Horticulturalists affinity group added “We cross this line today to demonstrate that this land, this earth, does not belong to a state which is using it to threaten the destruction of the earth and all its peoples. We enter this gate in order to reclaim land for life not death.”

Each of those trespassing were carrying letters explaining the international illegality of nuclear weapons to present to workers inside the base. In 1996, the International Court of Justice wrote the advisory opinion that not only would the use of nuclear weapons be illegal but the very threat of use through deployment, maintenance and upgrade of nuclear weapons systems is in contravention to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Under the terms of the NPT which entered into force over forty years ago, the UK government is obligated to bring nuclear disarmament to completion. Instead the UK government has continued to maintain and is now upgrading its nuclear weapons system. The recent news that the MoD has awarded lucrative contracts to arms companies for the initial stages of a Trident replacement programme furthers this ongoing mockery of our international legal obligations.

As long as our government continues to fail in it’s obligation to make serious moves toward complete nuclear disarmament, members of Trident Plougshares and Faslane Peace Camp are committed to non-violent direct action to disrupt the deployment of these illegal and immoral weapons.

Further demonstrations are planned for the remainder of the thirty days of action which will finish on July 9th. Amongst other actions, there will be an academic seminar blockade on Friday and a Rebel Clown Army insurgence on Saturday. For more information on the 30Days Action Campaign contact the camp via faslane30@gmail.com.

Faslane Peace Camp: 01436 820901 or 07511793227
Trident Ploughshares: Brian Larkin 07768 312676

For More information on
Trident Ploughshares see: www.tridentploughshares.org.uk
Faslane Peace Camp and 30 Days of Action see: http://faslanepeacecamp.wordpress.com/