Activists from throughout Britain gathered yesterday morning at the gates of the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Aldermaston to prevent building contractors from entering the premises to construct the ORION laser facility, which CND believes will be used to help Britain build a new generation of nuclear weapons. Approximately 45 people blocked two separate entrances to AWE, using lock-on tubes and laying on the road in front of the gates. A similar number of people supported the action from the sides, holding banners and handing out leaflets to motorists stuck in traffic.

Kate Hudson, Chair of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, said, “Yesterday’s blockade of AWE Aldermaston was a success, with contractors prevented from accessing the nuclear weapons site for over two hours. The British government must hold a full public debate on the replacement of the Trident nuclear weapons system before any more construction work takes place. CND calls for an immediate end to Britain’s immoral and illegal nuclear weapons programme.”

Last week, the West Berkshire Council’s Planning Committee gave its approval for the £100 million ORION laser facility, which is in addition to the £1 billion already allocated to be spent at AWE over the next three years. Yesterday’s demonstration was called by Block the Builders and was supported by CND.

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Notes to Editor:

1. For further information and interviews please contact Rick Wayman, CND's Press & Communications Officer, on 0207 7002350 or 07968 420859
2. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) is one of Europe’s biggest single-issue peace campaigns, with over 32,000 members in the UK. CND campaigns for the abolition of all nuclear weapons everywhere.
3. For photos of yesterday’s action, please contact Rick Wayman on 0207 7002350 or 07968 420859