19 WELSH CAMPAIGNERS ARRESTED AT FASLANE BASE OPPOSING NEW WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION

stop press Tues 14 November 2006 11.30am

On Monday November 13th 2006 11 peace activists from South and Mid-Wales were arrested for blockading the Trident nuclear submarine base at Faslane in Scotland. Another 8 from North Wales were arrested this morning Tuesday November 14th 7.30 to 8.00am. Those arrested over the two days are of all ages and backgrounds, and include South Wales Labour councillor and veteran peace campaigner Ray Davies.A statement from one of those arrested, Genny Bove of Wrexham, will follow shortly.

About 100 campaigners from Wales are present this morning, a rainy day at Faslane enlivened by the presence of a large red dragon and protest songs performed by Dafydd Iwan. Plaid Cymru Euro MP and CND Cymru chair Jill Evans, was among those who visited the base yesterday to join the protests. The Bishop of Bangor attended the departure of the North Wales contingent yesterday to show his support. Many of the northern contingent are dressed as Merched Beca/ the Daughters of Rebecca, the C19th men and women who protested against social injustice. Costs for Trident replacement have been estimated at £25 to £75 billion.

The protest is part of a year-long blockade at Faslane which began 6 weeks ago. People from all over Britian and Europe have been participating. The blockade is non-violent, and a Srathclyde police officer this morning expressed his respect for the protestors.

We are calling for:
• NO TRIDENT REPLACEMENT
ª NO NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION
• A NUCLEAR-FREE MIDDLE EAST, A NUCLEAR-FREE WORLD
• WELFARE NOT WARFARE

On site contacts:
Jill Gough CND Cymru 07704 575787 (until lunchtime today)
Anna Jane Evans N Wales 0790 154 5114 Gymraeg
North Wales group English 077 484
South Wales returns later today, while North Wales remains until tomorrow afternoon.

Contacts back home:
Mair Jones 01745 814950
Phil Steele 01248 490715