300 at Plymouth anti-nuclear protest
CAMPAIGNERS protesting against possible plans to scrap nuclear submarines at Devonport Dockyard descended on the city for an organised protest at the weekend.
Around 300 people turned out in support of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament who believe that Plymouth will be turned into a dumping ground for nuclear submarines.
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The rally began with a march through the city centre before speeches outside the Guildhall. The group then travelled to Devonport Park before a protest march along the dockyard wall, finishing at the site’s Camels Head entrance.
“We have had a great turn out with around 300 people joining us in the city,” said Plymouth TUC vice chair Dave Franklin.
Protestors from around the country travelled to Plymouth to join in with the march.
People of all ages lent their voice to the campaigning crowds, many waving ‘stop the nuclear dump’ and ‘no trident replacement’ banners.
They were protesting against the controversial Submarine Dismantling Project (SDP), which, if implemented, could see 27 de-fuelled nuclear subs stored and cut up at Devonport over the next 60 years.
“Babcock have chosen the least expensive and most dangerous of three options to dismantle decommissioned nuclear submarines in the open in the dockyard,” said Mr Franklin.
“We are concerned about the possible impact on the city both in terms of health with low level radiation levels and accidents.”
Three generations of one Plymouth family joined in with the protest. Sue Avent was one of the campaigning crowd, along with her husband, daughter and grandson.
“We do not want Plymouth to become a centre for nuclear waste,” she said.
“We are not anti-nuclear, we realise that having a nuclear deterrent is important, but we do not want a nuclear dump in a city the size of Plymouth.”
There was a small police presence at the Camels Head demonstration, which was described by MOD spokesman Guy Boswell as peaceful and ordered.
“The decision about where the SDP is going to be done hasn’t been made yet,” he said.
“A public consultation started last week and it is going to continue for some time.”
'Stop the nuclear dump at Devonport' activist video - part one
Part two
Part three
Part four
44 Comments
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by Gigantos should be re-named Gigantosser, LOL
Friday, November 06 2009, 6:40PM
“Gigantos
Well done on bringing such intelligence to the debate.
Don't you worry your little head about the issues, you just focus on what people wear.”
by Gigantos, pennycomequick
Friday, November 06 2009, 12:48PM
“LOL - Look at the state of the eco freaks.
Matted long hair - check
Stupid knitted beanie hat - check
Beige farah trousers - check
open toes sandles with varied colour socks - check
Optional rucksack circa 1993 - check
Surely have a wash and get a job.”
by John, Keyham, Plymouth
Tuesday, November 03 2009, 3:44PM
“" So here a question, how much money has to be sent to give these hippes a police escort?"
Probably a hell of a lot less than is used to escort football fans on a Saturday afternoon.
And your comment about jobs and benefits just betrays your ignorance and prejudice. It was a SATURDAY.”
by Rick O'Shay, zog
Tuesday, November 03 2009, 12:44PM
“Vanquisher says:
"Don't believe everything you read on the internet"
We can at least agree on one thing:-I don't believe that you are a senior engineer. None of my staff would post the nonsense that you have.
Rick O'Shay
Chief Executive Engineer (First Class), Devonport Dockyard
:-)”
by Matt, Plymouth
Tuesday, November 03 2009, 6:43AM
“I am born and have grown up in plymouth all my life! So here a question, how much money has to be sent to give these hippes a police escort?
How many of them have a job, and are not claiming benefits!
I feel it was a complete wast of time, and why the herold has even giving it the time of day! 300 people, I think not who was doing the counting? if you where luck there was a 100! but I think there was less than that!”