Press Releases & Updates 1999

At a Trident Ploughshares rally, MSP Tommy Sheridan today spoke of his firm commitment to getting the transport of nuclear goods onto the agenda of the newly formed Scottish Parliament. Mr Sheridan emphasised the need to create a diversification program for workers on the Trident sites, particularly relevant following yesterday’s broadcast of naval workers’ concern for their jobs if the base were closed.

Billy Wolfe, former chair of the SNP, spoke movingly in support of Trident Ploughshares saying, “All my party’s members should have been down here today.” He voiced his hope for the future that although there have been difficult days for disarmament campaigns, “We can now see the light”. Police later proceeded to arrest him for Breach of the Peace as he moved to form part of a road blockade at Faslane South Gate.

The rally took place in the morning at the North Gate of Faslane Naval Base and was followed by a blockade of the South Gate. Drummers, pipers and other musicians provided a backdrop for dancing and street theatre that, combined with the speeches, led to a mood that was emotional but cheerful.

Towards the end of the formal proceedings, a number of direct actions took place, leading to 17 arrests (and rising at time of writing) including that of the prominent politician, Billy Wolfe. Other arrests include Marilyn Croser, a student from Glasgow and Helen Harris a teacher from Bristol who were both arrested inside the base after cutting through the perimeter fence. One campaigner was arrested whilst up a ladder, trying to cut through razor wire coils. The police had to steady the ladder while she continued to cut as they were unable to simply drag her down.

Tommy Sheridan also spoke in praise of a previous Ploughshares action, “We should all be supporting as strongly as possible the Loch Goil Three”, referring to the three women currently on remand at HMP Corntonvale for an action involving the destruction of the Trident research floating laboratory. Their trial date is now set for Ellen Moxley, Angie Zelter and Ulla Røder to start on the 27th September in Greenock, with a pre-trial on the 2nd in Dunoon.

Marjan Willemsen, 22 from the Netherlands, was taken into custody in the middle of her supper by police yesterday after a warrant for her arrest was issued over an outstanding £100 fine. She is one of a number of Trident Ploughshares activists who have refused to pay a fine, “When illegal weapons of mass destruction are protected by the British legal system, their disarmament becomes an international responsibility.”

Actions will continue throughout the Trident Ploughshares summer camp, which lasts until August 24th.

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