Protest and survive - campaigners to march to Devonport Dockyards

For immediate release: 18 May 2004

A national demonstration will take place in Plymouth on the 29th May to highlight the nuclear and environmental concerns resulting from the refit of the Trident submarine Vanguard at the Devonport Dockyards. This is one of the submarines which carries Britain's nuclear weapons of mass destruction. The demonstration, organised by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, will leave from Plymouth Hoe at 1pm and march through the town centre. The march will pass the Dockyard gates and will arrive at Devonport Park at 3pm, where a rally will take place with music and speeches from Kate Hudson, (Chair of CND), David Taylor, (Green MEP Candidate), Ian Avent, (CANCAR), Tony Staunton (UNISON)

Campaigners will highlight the concerns about the effects of the radioactive discharge from the submarine refit and call for an end to the refit and for the scrapping of Trident. They will also draw attention to the inadequate systems in place in the case of Nuclear Emergency and the 'laughable' guidance given to residents in case of emergency. Campaigners will also be saying no to the possibility of making Plymouth the long-term venue for storing nuclear submarines.

Kate Hudson, chair of CND said:

“This refit programme is a threat to the environment and a threat to the health and safety of the people of Plymouth. The emergency planning is insufficient and the guidance would be laughable if we were not dealing with a potential disaster situation.

This process is also part of a bigger picture which we must all be aware of. Our government is committed under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to getting rid of its nuclear weapons. Instead, they are refitting the Trident nuclear weapons submarines: not only failing to comply with their Treaty obligations, but also bringing great dangers to the people of Plymouth. The refit must be brought to an end and Trident scrapped.”

-end-

Notes to Editor:

1. For further information & interviews please contact Ruth Tanner CND's Press & Communications Officer on 07968 420859 or Patrick van den Bulck, CND’s Campaigns Officer on 07968 420 858

2. March to gather at Plymouth Hoe at 12noon. The march to set off at 1pm, At 1.45 the marchers will hand 'Contaminated' mud in at the Albert Gate, Devonport Dockyards. The Rally will begin at 2.45 in Devonport Park

3. Speakers at the rally include Kate Hudson, (Chair of CND), David Taylor, (Green MEP Candidate), Ian Avent, (CANCAR), Tony Staunton (UNISON) With music from Mad dog Macrea and more

4. Photo opportunities –
·-12.30pm - The march will gather on Plymouth Hoe, where there will be an opportunity to interview Speakers and Orgnaisers.

·-1.45- Albert Gate, Kate Hudson, Chair of CND & Margery Trevor, (A WREN, based at Devonport in the 2nd World War) will hand a statement in along with a container of ‘contaminated’ mud from the river Tamar. Both, will also be available for interview.