Another Successful Day Of Blockading At Faslane

Monday 22nd October 2001 Blockade
Trident Ploughshares and Scottish CND were delighted by Monday's blockade of Faslane Nuclear Submarine Base which again testified to the majority view that nuclear weapons have no place in Scotland.

Over 800 people, including around 100 students from Ireland made their way to Faslane early on Monday morning. Police and demonstrators alike observed a minute's silence to honour victims of war and terrorism around the world.

It had been hoped that in the light of the recent ruling by Mr Anthony Stirling JP that "mass arrests without justification could not continue", that the police would allow the protest to take place uninterrupted but sadly it was deemed necessary to arrest 170 demonstrators for little more than sitting down in roadways already blocked off by police. Among those arrested were SNP MSP Lloyd Quinan, SSP MSP Tommy Sheridan, and the Irish Green Euro MP Patricia McKenna.

Quinan said he hoped never to have to come back to Faslane because "these abhorrent weapons will have been removed."

There was also a healthy contingent from Fife's SSP branches. Glenrothes branch secretary Felicity Garvie was arrested with Louise McLeary of the Kirkcaldy branch. Felicity is employed at the Scottish Parliament as Tommy Sheridan's office manager, and was the subject of some tongue in cheek accusations by Sheridan, that she was supposed to be holding the fort in Edinburgh.

Morag Balfour was also arrested. Police were on hand with a wheelchair when it became obvious that the standing around, even on crutches had left Morag unable to walk.

Also in attendance were Kirkcaldy branch member Dougie Kinnear and North East Fife member Keith White, while Jim Balfour was one of a number of support workers ensuring smooth running of events at Faslane's North Gate.

It was also good to see Glenrothes' most vocal Christian Democrat the irrepressible Alex Lawson once again showing support for the demonstration.