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Press Releases & Updates 2003
2nd October 2003
Devonport Challenge to Britains Weapons of Mass Destruction
Anti-Nuclear Camp Begins at Plymouth
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The anti-Trident campaign Trident Ploughshares starts its five-day international disarmament camp today in Plymouth. The camp, on Drakes Hill between Weston Mill Village and Burrington Way industrial Estate, will act as a focus for direct action against the refitting of the submarines in the Devonport dockyards. Activists from throughout Europe will join the camp. There will be unannounced actions throughout the camp and a blockade of the base on Monday 6th October.
In February of 2002, HMS Vanguard, the first of four Trident nuclear armed submarines arrived in Devonport dockyards for its scheduled refit. Refitting the four submarines will take at least 8 years.
Last November two Trident Ploughshares activists boarded HMS Vanguard and were able to inspect it for some time before ringing the alarm bell to attract the attention of security. Last week two more activists breached security and were arrested inside the base.
Plymouth peace activist Claire Devereux said:
“Do the people of Plymouth know what is on their doorstep and the horrific dangers posed by this submarine refit? Not only are these weapons illegal instruments of terror, they cannot be kept secure, as was demonstrated last November.”
Trident Ploughshares (TP, est. 1998) challenges the UK’s illegal and immoral possession and threatened use of nuclear weapons. TP 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 over 2000 arrests, 300 trials, 1,970 days spent in prison and £59,917 of fines and compensation orders.
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
Thursday camp setup
Friday familiarisation/tours/leafleting
Saturday leafleting/stalls/events in Plymouth centre10am-1pm/gathering in peace garden 1-2pm
Sunday multi-faith service at HMS Drake 2:30-3pm followed by candlelit vigil
Monday mass blockade at Devonport
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Trident Ploughshares,
0845 45 88 366
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