Trident protest plans naval base blockade

HUNDREDS of anti-nuclear campaigners are expected to completely block access to Devonport Naval Base next month.

More than 200 campaigners have expressed an interest in attending the non-violent event, which will see anti-nuclear activists from across the country – and even Switzerland – descending on Plymouth.

The protesters – from national campaign group Trident Ploughshares – are planning to block all six entrances to Devonport Naval Base and the adjoining dockyard on Monday, November 1, from 6am.

They are campaigning to highlight the cost of replacing Trident, which is Britain’s nuclear deterrent.

The Trident missile defence system is carried on four Vanguard-class submarines.

Devonport is the UK’s only base with the specialist facilities and skilled workforce to maintain the submarine fleet.

“From what I’ve heard we are now expecting a fairly sizeable number,” Shirley Law said.

“We have people coming from all over the country – and even a coach from Switzerland.

“We will certainly have enough to block all the gates at the naval base. The strength of feeling is there, whether there are 20 or 200 people.”

During the event campaigners will be distributing leaflets and displaying posters highlighting the cause.

On its website, Trident Ploughshares states Plymouth is becoming known as the ‘Sellafield of the South West’ because of its involvement with nuclear submarine refits, maintenance and upgrades.

Plymouth’s blockade follows a disarmament camp in Aldermaston in February which attracted about 1,000 people.

Last November about 300 people attended a rally in Devonport protesting against proposals to scrap nuclear submarines at Devonport Dockyard.

An MoD spokesman previously told The Herald: “We respect everyone’s right to peaceful and lawful protest. The Royal Navy has an excellent safety record in the operation of its nuclear submarines.”