Press Releases & Updates 2004

The blockade began around 6.30 a.m. as a group of campaigners locked themselves to each other at the main gate of the base. At the time writing (8.30 a.m.) all five gates are blocked. A large banner reading "Nuclear Free Scotland" is being held above the main gate by two climbers who have scaled lamp-posts. So far there have been 18 arrests.

Overnight two Scandinavian activists, Tiina Sarkinen, 23, a plant scientist from Finland, and Anna Goransson, 24, a student from Sweden, swam into the high security berths where the Trident submarines are berthed and got 200 metres inside the boom before being apprehended. Early this morning Petter Joelson (27), from Goteborg in Sweden, and Per Hilkrstrom (22), from Nosrkoping in Sweden breached security at the Trident nuclear warhead store at Coulport on Loch Long, five miles from Faslane.

A particular feature of this morning’s protest is the presence of around 12 members of the Scottish Parliament, one of whom, Mark Ballard, is locked on to other protesters at the main gate. Many other parliamentarians have sent their messages of support, including Westminster MP Alan Simpson who said: "Today’s demonstration is the genuine anti-terrorist movement. Rogue states (and rogue super states) break international weapons treaties to develop new weapons of mass destruction. In turn, this creates rogue movements that develop weapons of mass panic. To break the cycle we have to assert the right to live without nuclear weapons and to oppose those who do so by stealth or power. This is why the movement you are a part of is so important. I am proud to be associated with you."

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