Press Releases & Updates 2002
14th June 2002
Local Support Grows For Anti-Nuclear Campaign
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Yesterday, as Trident Ploughshares activists set-up the international
disarmament camp at atomic weapons establishment (AWE) Aldermaston, local
people visited the camp offering support and encouragement.
Farmers in the area who helped a protestor whose car had broken down said that they were
very concerned about pollution from the bomb factory and the effect the base
has on the value of property and farmland. Another resident who was asked
directions to the camp knew little about what went on inside the gates of
Aldermaston. She was clearly shocked to discover that it was a nuclear
weapons factory, areas of which are highly contaminated.
Recent disclosures by the Ministry of Defence signal a new and dangerous
shift in this nuclear era. Geoff Hoon stated that the UK is prepared to use
nuclear weapons against "rogue" states such as Iraq. Thus the UK’s nuclear
weapons are no longer merely for deterrence but for war-fighting as well.
This clearly contradicts the UK’s "no first strike" policy and the principle
of proportional response. Ploughshares activist Jenny Gaiawyn said
"Britain’s illegal and immoral message is "you punch us and we’ll nuke you".
How can this help any peace process?".
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
Fri 14th : Leafleting of local residents and non-violence training.
Sat 15th : Carnival and march from Reading station to the town centre
starting at 11am.
Sun 16th : Multi-faith service outside main gate of AWE Aldermaston on
the A340 beyond Tadley Village at 2:30pm.
Mon 17th : Lunchtime Picnic and guided tour of AWE Burghfield from 12 o’clock.
Tue 18th : Take down camp.
Individual affinity group actions will take place against the bases
throughout the camp. Please contact Marcus (details below) if you would like
to cover an affinity group action during the camp.
Trident Ploughshares was established in 1998 to challenge the UK’s illegal
and immoral possession and threatened use of nuclear weapons. Trident
Ploughshares activists pledge to dismantle the UK’s nuclear arsenal in a
peaceful, non-violent, open and accountable manner. So far in the campaign
there have been 1,715 arrests, 277 trials, 1,615 days spent in prison and
£41,016.70 of fines and compensation orders. We invite anyone who is happy
to abide by our non-violence guidelines to join us as responsible global
citizens in condemning this nuclear madness and celebrating life and hope.
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Trident Ploughshares,
0845 45 88 366
Email addresses:
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