WRITERS AND SINGERS GATHER TO VOICE THEIR OPPOSITION TO TRIDENT

Writers from around the UK will converge on the Faslane naval base to protest against the presence of nuclear weapons in Scotland and to promote nonviolent alternatives to war. Poets, authors, journalists and publishers will carry out a ‘Power of the Word Blockade’ at the military base at 10am on Wednesday 6 December 2006 as part of the Faslane 365 protest in which dozens of individual peace and citizens groups are protesting against the replacement of Trident nuclear submarines and calling for disarmament.

World-renowned author A L Kennedy said ‘Once again, Scotland's writers are proving they have more respect for International Law and the views and traditions of the Scottish people than the Scottish Executive, or their masters in London. Then again, almost everyone does. The Power of the Word Blockade certainly proves the breadth and energy of the resistance to the expensive lunacy of Trident.’

Writer and peace activist, Angie Zelter, said ‘Our demand is that Trident must be taken out of deployment and the government should make a timetable for dismantling the weapons, together with a commitment not to develop any new nuclear weapons. We have to end the UK’s preparations for mass murder at Faslane and start upholding international law’

The blockade will begin at 10am at the North Gate of the Faslane Base. Those who will be reading, singing and speaking out at the event include Roy Bailey - folk singer; Scilla Ellworthy ­ author and researcher; Jay Griffiths - writer; Mandy Haggith ­ writer; David Ferrard - folk singer; Nicholas Hildyard - author; Alison L Kennedy ­ author; Gerry Loose - poet; Gavin MacDougall, publisher of Luath; Adrian Mitchell ­ poet and playwright; Alison Parfitt - activist; Edward Parker - Environmental Photographer and Writer; Brian Quail - writer; James Robertson ­- writer; Walter Schwarz ­ - journalist; and Hilary Wainwright -­ Writer/Editor of Red Pepper.

For more information contact:

Mandy Haggith on 01571 8440200, mobile 07734 235704 or Angie Zelter 07835354652 or David Mackenzie 07876593016.