Arrests at UK anti-nuclear protest

["Sandy Perle" <sandyfl@earthlink.net>]

Monday, February 15, 1999 Published at 18:01 GMT - BBC 

Campaigners want an end to nuclear weapons by 2000  

Police have arrested 43 people at a demonstration at the Faslane 
nuclear submarine base on the Clyde.  

About 100 anti-nuclear protesters tried to block the main entrances 
to the Royal Navy base.  

Among those arrested was William Wolfe, leader of the Scottish 
National Party from 1969 to 1979.  

The demonstration was organised by Trident Ploughshares 2000 as 
part of their campaign to phase out Britain's nuclear weapons by 
next year.  

The Ministry of Defence played down the incident.  

"The protest didn't cause any major problems - it was very much 
business as usual. We haven't suffered any disruption at all," said 
a spokeswoman.  

The protesters, who said they are committed to non-violent action, 
were joined by Labour MP Dennis Canavan and the Church of 
Scotland minister, the Reverend Norman Shanks, leader of the Iona 
Community.  

Mr Canavan said: "I support the Ploughshares campaign because 
the Trident weapon system is a threat to world peace.  

"Even its threatened use is a crime against humanity. The money 
would be better spent on essential services such as housing, 
health and education."  

Strathclyde Police said the protest ended early in the afternoon 
and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.

Sandy Perle
E-Mail: sandyfl@earthlink.net 
Personal Website: http://www.geocities.com/capecanaveral/1205

"The object of opening the mind, as of opening 
the mouth, is to close it again on something solid"
              - G. K. Chesterton -
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