Faslane celebration 'depressing', say anti-nuclear campaigners

David Mackenzie, of activist group Trident Ploughshares, said: “The fact that the UK has maintained its constant nuclear weapon presence at sea is a cause for deep sorrow and shame, not congratulation.

“These weapons are designed to cause the most horrific civilian casualties.

“Those celebrating the 50 years act as if they were totally unaware of the monstrous nature of nuclear weapons.

“The UK Trident system is not a deterrent. As a part of the NATO nuclear force it follows a first strike policy.

“It is time for the UK to get in tune with the majority world and work for the total elimination of these weapons as the only way to avoid catastrophe.”

Two women were arrested last week after a small group of protestors allegedly committed a breach of the peace at the south gate of the naval base, with spray-painted slogans appearing on notice boards near the entrance.

Their protests were held on Sunday, July 7 - the second anniversary of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which has been signed by 24 United Nations member states and is likely to enter into force in 2020.

Arthur West, chair of the Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), said: “It is a sobering thought that for every day since July 1969, Britain has had at least one submarine armed with nuclear bombs lurking somewhere under the world’s oceans.

“It is our clear view that submarines travelling under our seas and oceans armed with weapons of mass destruction are not a cause for celebration.

“If these weapons were ever used or detonated accidentally they would cause massive levels of death and injury as well as causing massive damage to our environment.

“These weapons of mass destruction not only represent a threat to world peace but use resources which could be better in dealing with issues such as climate change and overall economic development.”