Make Trident History Ireland group Prepares

Media Release 6 Dec 06

Nobel Laureate among Peace group risking arrest in protest at UK’s government decision to spend billions on new nuclear weapons of mass destruction

There will be a Send- off rally, Friday 8th December, 3.30pm to 4.15pm outside the main gates of Belfast City Hall in support of the Make Trident History group who travel to Faslane in Scotland for a peaceful blockade of UK’s nuclear submarine base December 8-10
There will be 5 minutes silence at 4pm to remember all those who have been killed in war, and to envisage a peaceful, nonviolent, and just world free from weapons of mass destruction. Nobel Peace Laureate, Mairead Corrigan Maguire, and group will depart for Faslane at 4.15pm They are aware that there is a risk of arrest. Since the Faslane365 campaign started in October this year, over 330 people have been arrested.

Mairead Corrigan Maguire said
“The UK Governments undemocratic renewal of its genocidal weapons of mass destruction, whereby it breaks its legal obligations under the NNPT and opens the door to Nuclear Proliferation, is leading the world down a dangerous path of nuclear power and competition, between those with nuclear weapons and those without”

The group wish to highlight the following concerns
1) Tony Blair’s decision to replace the current Trident weapon system at a cost of £20-£60 billion is a waste of resources and tax-payers money. This money could better be spent on health, education, energy supplies, environment and world poverty.

2) Britain and USA are going contrary to their signing of the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) by deciding to develop an updated and yet more lethal Trident nuclear weapons’ system. This sets a bad example and encourages other countries to join in the nuclear weapons’ League of Nations. It increases the risk of a nuclear war which would be disastrous to all life on this planet.

3) The close proximity of this nuclear weapon base constitutes a grave safety risk to the people of N. Ireland

4) The bullish behaviour of the UK Government encourages anti-social violent behaviour. It is sending out a message that the way to resolve international conflict and confrontation is to show that you are strong, and possess a powerful nuclear weapon. This bullying attitude justifies and vindicates the anti-social behaviour we are sadly experiencing in our local communities.
For more information Tel Kevin 028 4173 8997, Mark 0773 781 9569
Contacts in Faslane Mark 0773 781 9569, Kevin 0774 788 9747
E-mail make.trident.history@ntlworld.com www.faslane365.org