Home | Thursday 4th November 2010 | Issue 746
3-PRONGED ATTACK
Around 200 peace activists blockaded HMNP Devonport in Plymouth on Monday (1st), in protest against the nuclear Trident submarine stationed at the base. Coming from all over the UK and joined by a Swiss affinity group, the protesters managed to close four of the main access gates for the morning.
The first autonomous group arrived at about 5.30am and set up a blockade across the Camelshead gate complete with a customised protest car parked across the road. Other groups set up at different gates during the morning, locking on and lying across the street to stop traffic coming in and out of the base.
Police had most of the gates cleared by midday, making a total of 14 arrests for obstruction of a highway, failure to comply and aggravated trespass. All were bailed and are due in court over the next couple of months.
Despite a concerted effort by the local rag to turn public opinion against the anti-nuclear campaign, locals on the day reacted positively. As well as giving support to the campaigners, emails and letters were sent to Trident Ploughshares showing there are people in Plymouth who don’t want nuclear missiles in their area.
Solidarity actions popped up in other locations during the day with one group sailing down the River Tamer to Drake’s Island just south of Plymouth and occupying the island with a banner, while there were vigils in London and Wrexham.
