Press Releases & Updates 1999

Today in Helensburgh District Court Margaret Bremner, a MacMillan Breast Care Nurse, called on the magistrate to recognise her peace protest as totally consistent with the rest of her role as a health worker. She was in court to answer to charges of Breach of the Peace and Vandalism arising from protests as part of the Trident Ploughshares camp in August last year.

Margaret agreed that she did blockade the gates of Faslane Submarine base on two occasions and did write anti-nuclear messages on the cell wall. She maintained, however, that she was not guilty of any crime because she saw it as part of her duty as someone who cares for the health of the community to try and prevent nuclear war.

The magistrate found her guilty and fined her a total of £150.

Margaret said:

’I’ve worked for 22 years as a nurse and constantly face shortages within the health service while we spend millions on Trident. My job is not only to care for the sick, but to help people recognise the causes of ill health. I know that there is no way that we could cope with the results of nuclear war. Producing the weapons already causes cancer and I feel that I have to be part of the struggle to get rid of them.’

Next Tuesday, 19th January, the two women who swam across the Gareloch and were arrested within metres of a Trident submarine will be put on trial. Krista Van Velzen, from the Netherlands and Katri Silvonen from Finland will appear at Helensburgh District Court at 10am.

On February 15th the Trident Ploughshares 2000 campaign continues with a blockade of Faslane base.

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