Glenrothes Activist In Scottish Parliament Demo

SSP Glenrothes Press Release 5th April 2001
Morag Balfour, the Scottish Socialist Party’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Central Fife was among around fifteen demonstrators who caused proceedings of the Scottish Parliament to be interrupted today during First Minister's questions.

Ms Balfour was among the eleven people arrested after the protest.

The action in protest at the Lord Advocate’s Review verdict that Trident nuclear weapons are legal, forced Presiding Officer Sir David Steele to call a thirteen-minute adjournment after the protesters unfurled a banner and chanted anti-nuclear slogans.

Many MSP’s including Margo McDonald (SNP) and the SSP’s Tommy Sheridan applauded and encouraged the demonstrators for their actions.

Afterwards Ms Balfour explained,

"The Lord Advocates Review verdict may have gone against us, but I remain adamant that Trident nuclear weapons are illegal under International Law. Trident Ploughshares and Scottish CND will continue to campaign against this abomination."

It is believed that an inquiry into the security breach allowing the demonstrators to smuggle in the banner and the means to secure themselves to the gallery barrier has been launched.