Nottingham folk succesfully blockade nuclear submarine base in Scotland

notts-imc features | 01.04.2007 09:46 | Faslane | Anti-militarism

Over 50 people from Nottingham and Derby successfully blockaded the Faslane Nuclear Naval Base In Scotland today. Various blockade groups in intriguing lock-on devices and some plastered together blocked the main entrance to the site. Police started removing people from 8.30 onwards but had problems with removing people from a 6 way lock-on device, which held strong for another 2 hours. The police had to draft in specialist equipment from other forces to deal with the device. 18 people were arrested and have been moved to Paisley. The blockade lasted for over 4 hours. Whilst on the phone to someone at the scene, one could hear a lot of chanting and cheering as one protester managed to shout 'no to nuclear weapons' just before being put in a police van.

The action is part of an international campaign to blockade the naval base throughout the year in a bid to stop the replacement of the controversial Trident Missile System. Blockades have been taking place for the last few months by groups from around the country. See UK Indymedia Faslane Page for more reports.

Photos and reports: Robin Hood blockades the Base | Robin’s Trip to Scotland… Part 1. | some more pics

Audio: Nottingham folk blockade nuclear submarine base in Scotland - a radio piece

Timeline: see full article.

Links: Faslane 365 | Wikipedia on Trident Missile System | Wikipedia on replacement of Trident | More Trident Links

Previous articles: Stop Robbin’ the Poor - Notts says NO to Trident!! | Nottingham residents mobilise against Trident replacement | Fundraiser for Notts Faslane 365 this Sunday | Nottingham Faslane 365 sign-up stall | What will you be doing? | Nottingham Faslane 365 News : 6th Feb 07 | Nottingham Blockade of Faslane Trident Base

Robin Preparing the Attack...

6.40 - moments before carefully synchronised arrival, key vehicle in convoy of three minibuses suffered a tyre blow-out less than a mile from target. Instant response results in shuffle of participants and equipment for continued successful mission. (update:00.05 3/4/07)
6.45 - Groups arrive and blockades in place at the Main Gate. 1 group with oil-barrel lock-on device, 1 group with 6-way lock-on device, 2 groups of 3 co-joined with plaster casts on lower arms. update: plus an additional 'plastered' group of two.
8.30 - Police start removing people.
9.00 - Police have successfully removed the oil-barrel lock on blockade. Up to 6 arrests by this time.
9.15 - The group is joined by members of CIRCO, the corporate arm of the Rebel Clown Army. See website. They will auction off the Trident Missile System tomorrow.
9.45 - The blockade has been in place for 3 hours now. The police announce that they are unable to remove people from the 6 way lock-on device. They are drafting in officers with specialist equipment from another force.
10.51 - Other officers have arrived and with the new equipment people were removed from the 6 way lock-on device pretty quick. The blockade has been cleared now. 14 people detained in total. update: later report indicates 15 arrests from blockading block.
11.00 - 40 people strong demonstration in front of the main entrance. Clowns entertain the crowds and have changed the HM Naval Base sign so it now reads 'Under New Management'.
12.05 - A woman and a man are arrested for 'breach of the peace' offences. Apparently they came too close to the gate. The woman was part of a small group holding a palm sunday protest.
14.29 - The demonstration in front of the gates is still happening. Spirits are high and the clowns providing a load of entertainment. One clown arrested for apparently trying to enter a police vehicle. Protesters decide to stay until at least 4 o'clock when a shift change inside the base will take place.