Devonport

Mobilising Postcard

Download a pdf of this briefing pack here

Download a pdf of the bustcard here

Download a pdf of the legal briefing here

For a pdf handbook detailing the layout of Devonport produced by the base click here

For further information about Devonport by the local TP group, The Tamarians, click here

For further information about Devonport by CND click here

Introduction

A decade of Trident Ploughshares blockades and disarmament actions have helped build a strong and broad movement against nuclear weapons in Scotland. The Scottish government was elected with a policy of nuclear disarmament. Now it is England’s turn.

On the 1st of November we are calling on people to join us to continue to increase the pressure by non-violently blockading the Devonport submarine base.

Why Blockade the Devonport Dockyard?

Such a blockade allows everyone to get involved at a level they are most comfortable with. YOU NEED NOT GET ARRESTED! Involvement could be just a simple but visible presence at the gates; it could be handing out leaflets, or trying to communicate (respectfully!) with workers. It could be legal support, media work, or Police liaison. Or it could be just providing moral support to those risking arrest. Whatever your level of involvement, we need YOU.

Participation is not restricted to TP members. Everyone and anyone are welcome, providing they are willing to abide by the non-violence and safety guidelines.

The Big Blockade

There are 6 primary gates at Devonport, these are Drakes Gate, St Levans Gate, Camels Head Gate, Granby Gate, Ferry Gate and Albert Gate. A map of the dockyard is produced below. The main gates are Camel’s Head Gate, and Albert Gate.

Getting There

There is also a mainline train system to and from Plymouth, linking to all over the UK. Some trains stop near the dockyard, at Keyham or St Budeaux stations.

Nonviolence Guidelines

  We will be sincere and respectful towards the people we encounter.

  We will not engage in physical violence or verbal abuse towards anyone.

  We will carry no weapons.

  We will not bring or use alcohol or any other drug other than for medicinal reasons.

  We will clear blockades to allow emergency vehicles in or out of the base, and then resume afterwards.

Non-violence Training

We would like as many groups as possible to organise their own training, tactics and support well before November and then travel directly to Devonport and join the blockade on the Monday morning. We can help put people in touch with groups if you contact us and we can also help provide groups with trainers and advice. We will be doing overall legal support and will organise the pick-ups from police stations as and when people are released. Those who cannot find a group to join can come along on their own on the day but should read the pack carefully and note the non-violence guidelines. Contact the Action Line on 0845 4588363 for more information.

There will also be training days in Plymouth on September 25th and 26th contact us for details.

Tactics

In the past people have blockaded by standing, sitting or lying across the road/gate entrances with their arms linked. People often go limp when arrested making it harder for the police to move them.

Sometimes people have locked themselves together or to objects. To make it more difficult for the police to cut links, people join their hands through metal or plastic tubes and lock their hands together using karabiners (climbing clips) attached to chains or rope around their wrists. The lock-on tubes have to be long enough to prevent the police sliding them along people’s arms to reveal the chain or rope. If you use lock-ons make sure you know what they have been made of and can answer accurately the police cutting-team’s questions on whether they are safe to remove, for example make sure they do not have asbestos or sharp glass or anything else that would hurt a careful person doing their best to release you without hurting you or themselves.

You can look at the photos on the www.faslane365.org website for lots of pictures of different kinds of blockades. Even just sitting can be very effective if there are large numbers of people and if they continue to keep coming back if they are just moved aside by the police. It is best to have a meeting specifically for planning and making materials for blockading and for painting your own banners. Remember that it will be Halloween........

Support Work

The role of LEGAL OBSERVER and LEGAL SUPPORT is to be present, and:

  Ensure that everyone has filled out a legal registration form.

  Record all arrests where possible, including the name of the person arrested; the number of the arresting officer; time of arrest; reason for arrest and any other relevant details, including if there is any use of excessive force or other unlawful behaviour by the police.

  Provide this information to the Legal Support Team. Legal Observers should not liaise with the police, but should talk to the Gate Support Team if there are problems. All legal observers need to have pen and paper and a mobile phone in order to contact the Legal Support Team.

There is a lot of other support work that needs to be done in the week before, during and after the action. If you wish to help in any way then please contact the Action Line. For the On-Site Legal Support number and the Off-site Legal Support Team number please look at the bust card nearer the time. It will also be posted on the website. The Action Line number is:0845 4588363.

Practicalities

However for those needing it we will be providing accommodation and food for people on the Sunday night and also on the Monday night after the blockade so we can de-brief together, and provide food and entertainment for the blockaders as they are released from the police station.

The accommodation and meeting place for Sunday evening is the Central Methodist Church in Plymouth. People can arrive from 4.30pm onwards.

Central Methodist Church
Eastlake Street
Plymouth
PL1 1BA

Directions: From Plymouth Train Station (1 on map below): Leave train station and follow signs to the city centre. (through tunnel)

At first road turn left. (Mayflower) Follow road and see Voodoo Lounge pub

Walk straight on a few metres, you will see a car park and the Methodist Church

From Plymouth bus station (2 on map below): Take stairs to city centre. Walk through Drakes Circus Shopping Centre(upper exit), Central Methodist Church straight ahead on exiting the shopping centre.

There is no parking at the Church itself, however there are some car parks nearby that are free after 6pm.

Food will be available from about 6pm(snacks etc) with dinner available from about 7pm.

Non-violent Direct Action training will be available in the evening.

Map showing the methodist church:

There will be several other places to sleep that will stay open until 9.30 am on the Tuesday morning. Please let us know if you want accommodation and for what nights by ringing 0845 4588363 or by emailing us.

There are no special arrangements for children at this event and for animal welfare reasons it would be preferable if you could please leave dogs at home.

Food: There will be hot vegetarian and vegan food available on the Sunday and Monday evening at our meeting venue, as well as the provisions to make packed lunches. We also aim to provide drinks and snacks on the blockade itself.

Registration: We’d like everyone to fill out a legal registration form (whether or not you are arrestable or a supporter) for the action so we can provide effective legal support and get people out of police stations as soon as possible. Please fill in a registration form and give it to the gate support person who will arrange for all the registration forms from that gate to be taken to the Legal Support Team. You can register before the event also

What to bring to the blockade

If you have been arrested: When you are released there will be people outside the police station to collect you and to take you to the local venue (to be confirmed later) where you should let the Legal Support Team know you have been released and what you were charged with. We hope you will join in the de-briefs and enjoy the food and company. There may be places to sleep if you wish.

Information about people who have been arrested: The Legal Support Team will do their best to get information about your friends and members of your group who have been arrested posted up at the local venue as soon as they can. Please do not ring the Legal Support number to ask for information as this will jam the Legal Support phone lines. If you wish to find out about people who have been arrested phone the Action Line: 0845 4588363 in the early evening by which time we should know what is happening with most people.

Media: The media team will send out press releases and liaise with journalists on the day. If you want to contact your local press or particular papers or stations please do this if you can. We plan to have our own video and photographic cover to feed into the media, to contribute to our own archives and to encourage best behaviour from police.

Legal Briefing

•Record all arrests where possible

•Keep in touch with the police station during your detention.

•Find you a lawyer if you need one.

•Collect you from the police station on release.

•Provide further information about the court process.

Our telephone number is on the bust-card; please keep it with you, or write the number on your arm. Ask the police to ring this number if you are arrested. The bust card will also list your detention rights.

Nonviolent direct action ALWAYS carries the risk of arrest

Even if you have been arrested before, please read this leaflet. If you need more information please ask the Legal Support Team.

What could I be arrested for?

Military Lands Bye-laws: The bye-laws prohibit a number of activities on Ministry of Defence land including “obstructing a lawful user or any other person acting in the proper exercise of his duty”; causing “any nuisance, [or behaving in an indecent or obscene manner]”. These may be used to arrest blockaders, Charges against all persons arrested under the bye-laws for blockading to date have been dropped It is unlikely, but not impossible, that you may be arrested under the byelaws if you are blockading on MoD land.

Obstruction of the Highway: If you stand, sit or lock-on in a public road (including in a gateway) you may be arrested for obstruction of the highway. The police may first warn you that they will arrest you unless you move. They might remove you without arresting you. If you do not move or you are moved and return or are locked on you will probably be arrested. This is a minor (non recordable) offence; fine of about £50- £250, plus court costs (between £30 and £250) Obstruction is also an offence under the byelaws.

Obstruction of a Police Officer in the course of his/her duty: This is more serious than obstruction of the highway. In law this charge should accompany a charge for another offence - such as obstruction of the highway - but the police will sometimes make an arrest just for this offence.

Section 14, Public Order Act, 1986: Previous TP blockades have been prevented when police decide they are an assembly which would be “likely to result in serious public disorder [they mean traffic jams], serious damage to property or serious disruption to the life of the community”. They will either try to give you a notice or order you to a designated protest area. It is an offence not to obey a S.14 order (for example, by refusing to go to the designated area or by leaving a designated area). Conviction can carry a fine of up to £1000; organizers of an “unlawful assembly” may also be arrested and face higher penalties.

Section 12, Public Order Act, 1986: S.12 places similar limitations on processions as S.14 does on assemblies. The police should produce an order specifying the restrictions, stating where you may “process” or march. Similar penalties as above.

Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, Section 128 (SOCPA): It is a criminal offence to enter “protected” areas inside Devonport, under s.128 of SOCPA as amended by s.12 Terrorism Act 2006, and applicable to Nuclear Licensed Sites (NLS). “Protected areas” are defined as land within the boundary of the NLS, that is INSIDE the INNER weld-mesh fence. This does not include the "sterile area" inside the perimeter fence. This definition follows the dismissal of a prosecution in August 2008 of an AWPC woman arrested at Aldermaston in March 2007.Maximum penalty: 51 weeks’ imprisonment and or a £5,000 fine; women at Menwith received a £50 fine; at Faslane defendants were admonished.

Other less likely possibilities include:

Breach of the Peace: Although violence or threat of violence must be offered, in practice BoP is used to prevent peaceful demonstrations. You can be bound over to keep the peace. BoP is not a criminal offence , but if you refuse, you may be detained until you agree to keep the peace.

Aggravated Trespass, Section 68, 1994 Criminal Justice & Public Order Act: If a blockade takes place on MOD land (for example, a gateway): you may be arrested for “trespass[ing] on land with the intent to disrupt or obstruct or intimidate someone going about a lawful activity on that land (or adjoining land)”. Under Section 69, you can merely be warned to leave the land if the senior police officer present “reasonably believes” that a S68 offence has/is/will be committed.

Section 5, Crime and Public Order Act, 1986: This requires you to cause “distress alarm and harassment” to a reasonable person (usually a police officer) by using threatening or abusive behaviour or language (including banners, placards or T-shirts) or disorderly conduct.

Criminal Damage: If you cut the fence, paint or chalk on the road, use red coloured water to symbolize blood, graffiti on MoD property, and in some circumstances, climb the fence, you can be arrested for criminal damage. Damage valued at under £5,000 will be tried in a magistrates court; if damage is over £5,000, or if you are arrested for going equipped to cause criminal damage, you may elect for trial by jury in the Crown Court. Penalties are normally a fine, which reflects the value of the damage, compensation for the damage, plus court costs.

Stop and search: The Ministry of Defence police may stop you and ask your name, address, what you are doing etc. You do not have to give them any information, or give your name or any details, even though they will ask. Always ask what power they are using and ask them for a “Stop and Account” form, (stating why they stopped you).

If the police have “reasonable suspicion” that you (or your vehicle) have drugs, weapons, stolen property or tools to commit burglary or criminal damage they can search you. It is possible that orders under s.60 Criminal Justice & Public Order Act or will be in place, which allows searches for weapons or items which may be used for criminal damage where an inspector or above reasonably believes incidents involving violence may take place. s.44 Terrorism Act gives police powers “only for the purpose of searching for articles of a kind which could be used in connection with terrorism”. You have the right to a written record of any search.

You do not have to provide your name, address or any other details, except if you are the driver of a vehicle which is being searched, in which case you do have to give them your details and driving documents.. You can also be arrested for not giving your name under s.25 PACE, which covers non-arrestable offences (for which they would issue a summons)

Being Arrested After arrest you will be taken to a nearby police station. Don’t worry, stay calm, stay non-violent. Detention is long and boring; take a book.

You will first be taken before the custody sergeant. You have to give a verifiable name and address. You do not have to give your date of birth, although refusal can lengthen detention. They will tell you your basic detention rights, including:

•To have someone informed of your arrest. Please ring - or ask the police to ring - the legal support number.

•To see a doctor, if you are ill or injured.

•To see a copy of the police Codes of Practice (PACE) - which sets out your rights.

•If you are not a UK national, you can ask for an interpreter.

•If you are 17 or under, you cannot be interviewed without a parent or legal guardian present.

You will be searched, your property taken away and you will be placed in a cell for at least six hours or longer, depending on the number of arrests. You have the right to hot drinks and meals at appropriate times.

Right to a solicitor: the law has changed. For non-imprisonable offences (including obstruction of the highway) you no longer have the right to free legal advice from your own solicitor, but can speak on the phone to a “legal adviser” provided by ‘Criminal Defence Services Direct.’ If you have been arrested for a serious offence, or if the police want to interview you, then you have a right to speak to a solicitor of your choice free of charge, or the duty solicitor. We advise you to contact the solicitor on the bust card

interviews: The police may sometimes record a taped interview to gather further evidence. You have the right to silence, and do not have to answer any questions, often the easiest and safest thing to do is say “no comment”. If you choose not to speak, the police will tell you this may be viewed negatively. You can prepare a statement in advance, which you can read out; if you want it to be included in the evidence presented in court. If you make a statement, please talk only about yourself and your own actions - and not those of other people. After making your statement you can continue to say “no comment”. If in any doubt, say nothing! You have the right to consult a solicitor if interviewed (see above).

’Fishing’ interviews: You may be invited to an intelligence interview with the MoD CID which they use to “fish” for information about you, other people at the blockade, organisers etc. You do not have to be interviewed; if you do please speak only about your own actions, not about other people.

Before release: The police will take your fingerprints, DNA and photograph. They have the power to use “reasonable force” if you refuse. They will return your property.

Cautions, Bail & Police Bail: If this is your first arrest, you may be offered a caution and released without charge. A caution means that you will not go to court or receive a penalty but it is an admission of the offence and it will go on your record. You do not have to accept a caution. If you are charged with an offence, you will almost certainly be released on bail. Bail conditions might, for example, prohibit you from going back to Devonport. Ask for a map of the area you may not enter. If you do not want to accept bail conditions, ask for a solicitor. It is often difficult to challenge bail conditions at the police station, but people have been held overnight and successfully challenged them in court. If you are NOT charged you may be bailed to report to the police station (police bail) up to 12 weeks later while the evidence against you is considered by the Crown Prosecution Service who decide if you will be charged. There should be no conditions attached. Relatively few people have been charged after answering police bail. The legal support team will ensure that someone will collect you from the police station. Please tell the driver your name, whether you have been charged, and if so, with what offence, and the date you are required to attend court.

Going to court:

Ring 0845 4588363 for post-arrest support.

Most people charged with obstruction of the highway at Devonport have been convicted. You are very likely to be convicted unless the police drop the charges. You are unlikely to be acquitted of “obstruction of the highway” with a defence based on international law. If you plead guilty at the first hearing (usually a week after arrest) magistrates impose a lower fine and costs than if you plead not guilty. If you plead not guilty you will have to attend court to enter your plea and a date will be set (within a few months) for trial.

Don’t worry, you will not be alone

Overview of the Devonport Base

Devonport Dockyard lies just under 2 miles west of Plymouth city centre.

There are 6 main gate locations spread over a distance of 2 miles, from Camels Head in the North, down to Granby Gate/Spinnaker Gate in the South. These gates are used regularly.

They are:
1 -Camels Head
2 -Drake Main Gate - also known as FAC - Fleet Accommodation Centre
3 -St Levans Gate
4 -Albert Gate
5 -Ferry Gate
6 -Granby Gate/Spinnaker Gate

There are a further 2 named gates: Morice Gate (gate 5a on map), and Mutton Cove Gate (gate 7 on map) - these are, as far as we know, not used regularly, though we believe they could be used if needed.

Then there are a total of 8 other smaller gates, most of them near the main gates: We have named these 2a, 2b, 2c near Drake Main Gate 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d near St Levans Gate 5b near Morice Gate

Camels Head Gate - Gate 1

Location:The Camels Head Gate is at the Junction of Wolseley Road A3064 and Weston Mill Drive A3064 Opposite Weston Mill Primary School Postcode: PL2 2EL‎
Lots of buses run past this gate all day
Normal Opening Times: Mon-Sun 24hrs

Right of road to centre:15 paces
Centre to left:13 paces
Left to railing ( pic below): 9 ½ paces

Map showing Camels Head Gate

Download a word doc of this information about Camels Head gate here

Drake Main Gate - Gate 2

Download a word doc of this information about Drake Main Gate here

St Levans Gate - Gate 3

The distance across whole gate is 28-30 paces

Normal Opening Times: Mon-Sat 06:00 - 22:00 (Pedestrians)

Note: The railings outside the gate can be removed to allow vehicular access

Also note: There is a urinal open 24 hours on St Levans Road on the left from the gate

Map showing St Levans Gate

Download a word doc of this information about St Levans Gate here

Albert Gate - Gate 4

Location: On Albert Road B3396 - on the corner as Albert Road becomes Keyham Road Postcode: PL2 1AW
Lots of buses run past this gate
The distance across whole gate is 33 paces - Right of road to centre: 18 paces (approx) Centre to left: 15 paces (approx)

Normal Opening Times: Mon-Sun 24hrs

Download a word doc of this information about Albert Gate here

Ferry Gate - Gate 5

The distance across whole gate is 20 paces. Across the central vehicle gate it is approximately 11 paces
Normal Opening Times:
Pedestrian: Mon - Thurs at 06.00-08:30, 11:30-13:00 and 15:30-18:00
Vehicles: Mon - Fri, Inwards at 06:00-08:00, and Outwards at 15:30-18:00

Download a word doc of this information about Ferry Gate here

Morice Gate - Gate 5a

Download a word doc of this information about Morice Gate here

Granby Gate & Spinnaker Gate - Gate 6

Granby Gate The distance across Granby Gate is 12 paces.
Normal Opening Times: Mon- Sat at 06:00 - 18:00

Spinnaker Gate The distance across Spinnaker Gate is 17 paces
Normal Opening Times: Unknown

See above for a map showing the Granby Gate & Spinnaker Gate

Download a word doc of this information about Granby & Spinnaker Gates here

Mutton Cove Gate - Gate 7

NotesThis is the furthest gate from the main site.There is a car park just beyond the gate.

Download a word doc of this information about Mutton Cove Gate here

Drake Subsidiary Gates (gates 2a, 2b, 2c)

Location: Approx 70 yards north of Drake Main Gate (towards Camels Head), on Saltash Road
The distance across Gate 2a is 12 paces
Normal Opening Times: not normally open

Gate 2b

Location: Just south of Drake Main Gate, on Saltash Road
The distance across Gate 2b is 2+2+2 paces
Normal Opening Times: unknown

Gate 2c

Location: A stroll south of Drake Main Gate, on Saltash Road, opposite Pelicans Children Centre, PL2 1QS‎
The distance across Gate 2c is 6 paces

Note It looks like there is a railway line between the gate and the base
Normal Opening Times: not normally open

Download a word doc of this information about Gates 2a,2b & 2c here

St Levans subsidiary gates (gate 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d)

Gate 3a

Location: 1 minutes walk south of St Levans Gate on Keyham Road
The distance across Gate 3a is 6 paces
Normal Opening Times: unknown

Gate 3b

Location:Gate 3b is on Keyham Road, approximately opposite Keat Street, 2 minutes walk south of St Levans Gate
The distance across Gate 3b is 3 paces
Normal Opening Times: not normally open

Gate 3c

Location:Gate 3c is on Keyham Road B3396, south of Keat Street, 2 minutes walk south of St Levans Gate
The distance across Gate 3c is 2 paces
Normal Opening Times: not normally open

See above for a map showing Gate 3c

Gate 3d

Location:Gate 3d is on Keyham Road B3396, south of Keat Street, 2 minutes walk south of St Levans Gate
The distance across Gate 3d is 4 paces
Normal Opening Times: not normally open

See above for a map showing Gate 3d

Download a word doc of this information about gates 3a, 3b, 3c & 3d here

Morice subsidiary gate (gate 5b)

Location: Somewhere near Morice Gate
Normal Opening Times: not normally open

Download a word doc of this information about gate 5b here

Devonport Maps

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