Newspapers across the world published articles indicating the camp would likely close, and activist groups across the country publicised our plight.
The final meeting held yesterday [14 May – eds] saw many individuals, including past and present residents, travel from all over the UK to offer their time and support to keep the camp running.
It has been widely agreed that it would be a bad move to close the camp at this crucial time in Scottish politics, what with the Trident replacement programme and the introduction of the new Astute class submarine. Not to mention the end of a rich tradition and history of autonomous resistance to nuclear weapons and militarisation.
Stronger
We have created a stronger group of residents and a wider network of support for the camp, both groups will now be working together to strengthen the campaign and we have exciting plans for the immediate and long term future. Though we are not out of the woods yet.
Faslane Peace Camp now more than ever requires your support.
We are looking for people to come to site to help out or join/help existing support groups. Or better yet start your own support groups in your town or city.
The support groups exist to offer practical support and solidarity with the peace camp. This is essential to prevent the camp from closing/crisis in the future and to help organise upcoming events and actions.
Why is it important to keep the peace camp open?
Faslane Peace Camp is the longest-running permanent peace camp in the world and has been a thorn in the side of Britain’s nuclear deterrent for almost 31 years, through the use of nonviolent direct action, civil disobedience and monitoring the movements of submarines.
By monitoring the submarines’ movements, peace campers have discovered that both of the new Astute class submarines, Ambush and Astute are having serious reactor problems.
In the past it has been the observations of the peace campers that have forced the MOD to admit reactor troubles on submarines. It is vital that we keep this up.
How to get involved?
- Come and visit the camp to help out with day-to-day activities or come for one of our many planned actions, demos or events.
- Join or support one of our existing support groups or start your own.
- This year we plan to focus not only on nuclear campaigning, but also on training and workshops for sustainable low-impact living.
- We have a huge list of projects ready to get off the ground and many people are already working hard to make these a reality, but the more people we have joining this motivated group the more things we can achieve!
- Our first two open events are a children’s workshop/activity day on 25 May and a visit by the Quakers’ Pilgrimage for Peace which will be stopping at the peace camp on 25-26 May.