Press Releases & Updates 2004

Peace campaigner the Rev David McLachlan insisted he will stick to his principles after law lords threw out his appeal against a £150 fine imposed at Helensburgh District Court for a blockade of Faslane naval base, near Glasgow, in February 2001.

McLachlan, 48, spoke in his own defence at the High Court in Edinburgh last Tuesday, arguing that Trident is illegal under international law and that sitting in the road was not a breach of the peace.

He also told Lords Hamilton and Gill and Lady Cosgrove that police witnesses at his original trial in May 2002 gave conflicting evidence, and one had not even been present during his arrest. However, the judges ruled that Justice of the Peace Viv Dance was justified in finding him guilty. Now the minister is refusing to pay the fine and is prepared to go to jail to defend his beliefs.

Speaking from his manse last night, McLachlan said: "I said two years ago that I wouldn’t pay the fine, even if the appeal went against me.

"I may be the first Church of Scotland minister to go to prison over this issue. While I am acting as an individual when I take part in the demonstrations at Faslane, I am also representing the mainstream view of the Kirk."

The veteran of five blockades at the home of Britain’s nuclear submarines added: "I believe nuclear weapons are an affront to Jesus Christ and it is my duty to highlight the danger they pose."

McLachlan admitted that his 300-strong congregation at Langside Parish Church, Glasgow, know little of his criminal record. However, he is confident of their support . He said: "I was minister at Elderslie Church in Renfrew when I first appeared in court, and the response was so positive."

McLachlan was one of 13 protesters who had appeals thrown out during the week. He added: "I feel a sense of overwhelming sadness that our criminal justice system is letting the people down over this issue and my own experience of the courts has been deeply frustrating.

"A guy in a wig came up to me after my case and said I’d put up a great defence and should consider becoming an advocate. He turned out to be the prosecutor, but the judges didn’t pay any attention."

Meanwhile, Trident Plough shares, the group behind many of the Faslane blockades, insists the campaign will go on. A spokesman said: "The notorious charge of breach of the peace is now in greater disarray than ever as far as peaceful protest is concerned.

"When a law is corrupted in this way the only just way to respond is to disobey it. Blockades at Faslane will continue."

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