photo by Margaret Ferguson
by Margaret Ferguson
10th August 2023 at Faslane Peace Camp, Scotland
There were three arrests yesterday on Nagasaki Day, for blocking the North Gate while we were doing our weekly Wednesday Vigil – this one commemorating the victims of the Nagasaki bombing – extended so that we were able to support the folk in the blockade by ensuring safety measures were in place, food and drinks supplied, legal observation throughout, medication and health checks made available, etc. – until they were in the police vehicles and on their way to Clydebank Police Station 27 miles away. So two actions side by side – from 16.00 till 23.00, in darkness – attended by UK Ministry of Defence Police and Police Scotland Officers; as well as National Health Service ambulance crews on this occasion to ensure health was not compromised.
The first lock-on tube did not need to be cut and was taken away by police; however the process of cutting the second tube took hours to arrange and carry out – very carefully done using various grinding, poking and scraping tools – going through numerous layers which included very thick plastic, chicken wire in binding material, soft and hardened tar, more plastic and metal (a work of art from one of our Camp residents).
After that very long day in support, with dinner near on midnight, a couple of us were up and out again today, travelling to Dumbarton to be there for the three arrestees; and were at the Sherriff Court from 11.00. The pleas were eventually heard around 15.00 with all released around 16.00 to enable us all to make our way back to Camp. The first defendant pled “not guilty” and is initially defending themselves until later in the process. They were given standard bail, with conditions relating to their proximity to the HMNB Clyde Base; this being restricted until then. The second pled “guilty” and will attend for trial soon – they were given the same bail conditions and will attend court with the latter. Having been in Scotland since only 8th August to meet up with another Camp visitor, the third one pled “guilty”, was admonished and released to go back home to continue their studies in Belgium after their planned 10 day holiday in Scotland – having unclipped themselves three hours into the lock-on – and taken off to Clydebank Police Station for the night. A translator was supplied in Court.
So a successful day with actions of remembrance and challenge combined; keeping the immorality of the Nagasaki, and earlier Hiroshima, bombing in our hearts and minds. xx
xxx
photo by Margaret Ferguson
from STV
Anti-nuclear protesters at Faslane charged after blocking entrance
Faslane Peace Camp announced on Wednesday that they would protest at the end of August.
by Caitlyn Dewar
Anti-nuclear protesters blocked the entrance of a naval base in Helensburgh on Wednesday for several hours.
Three activists were arrested and charged with breach of the peace on August 9 at HMNB Clyde, commonly known as Faslane.
A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “We can confirm that three individuals were arrested yesterday outside of HMNB Clyde and charged with breach of the peace.
“At no time did the individuals gain entry to the site and the safety and security of the Naval Base and our vessels were not compromised.
“The Naval Base has well-established procedures in place for such eventualities and our core business of supporting the Royal Navy fleet was not affected.”
Faslane Peace Camp, which is located near the base, announced on Wednesday that a “Jam the Base” protest is planned for Saturday August 26.
The activists said that they will make a “nicely noisy march” along the A814 to the north gate of Faslane starting at 3pm and ending in an “anti-nuclear cacophony”.
Police Scotland has been contacted for comment.
xxx
photo by Margaret Ferguson
from the Lochside Press
Three arrests in Faslane protest
August 10, 2023
The main entrance to the Faslane naval base was blocked for several hours last night by anti-nuclear protesters – and a major protest is planned for later this month.
Three people were arrested after a ‘lock-on’ by protesters yesterday in an incident which started during the afternoon rush hour and finished just before 11pm.
A Royal Navy spokesperson said Ministry of Defence Police called the Scottish Ambulance Service following concerns over the wellbeing of one of the protesters.
“We can confirm that three individuals were arrested yesterday outside of HMNB Clyde and charged with breach of the peace,” he added.
“At no time did the individuals gain entry to the site and the safety and security of the naval base and our vessels was no compromised.
“The naval base has well-established procedures in place for such eventualities and our core business of supporting the Royal Navy fleet was not affected.
Faslane Peace Camp announced yesterday that a ‘Jam the Base’ protest is planned for Saturday August 26, with a ‘nicely noisy’ march along the A814 to the north gate starting at 3pm and ending in an ‘anti-nuclear cacophony’.