It was a mucky, wet morning in Berkshire - but that didn't stopped hundreds of people from all over the country converging on the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) facility at Aldermaston. They arrived from all directions, by bus, train, bicycle and on foot. Their mission? To carry out the world's largest ever inspection of a nuclear weapons factory, following reports that Tony Blair is building a new nuclear weapon.
At Aldermaston, the weapons inspectors have been greeted by hundreds of police officers sent to 'protect' the site, where strong evidence suggests that some 1 billion pounds worth of new weapons facilities are being built. This includes a giant new laser, for use in simulating nuclear tests. Hundreds of new nuclear weapons scientists are also being recruited.
Tonight, Hans Blix - former UN weapons inspector and current chairman of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission - will make a scathing speech condemning Tony Blair, who is preparing to publish a White Paper advocating the replacement of the Trident nuclear weapons system, at a reputed cost of tens of billions of pounds. The Prime Minister seems determined to clear the way for its development before he leaves office next year. Work is already underway at Aldermaston to build the Orion Laser - a vital component in building a new British bomb - despite government claims that no decision on Trident's future has yet been taken.
The team of inspectors, organised by both Greenpeace and Block the Builders, reached the facility's fence, and to document preparations at the site for building a new nuclear bomb. This includes taking photographs of the building site, despite laws banning photography at the facility. The inspectors included Body Shop founder Anita Roddick and Norman Baker MP. A bus that was driven all the way from Europe to Iraq before the 2003 invasion is circling the site.
At 1pm, the inspectors covered the perimeter fence in front of the Orion Laser facility with notices and warnings - you can see some of these on our moblog and Flickr accounts.
Cartoonist Steve Bell on Blair and the Trident replacement (The Guardian, 24th November 2006)
Last week, eminent international lawyer Philippe Sands issued a legal opinion, warning that Tony Blair will probably break the same international treaties he says Iran and North Korea must abide by, if he pushes ahead with his desire to renew Trident. Later today, Roddick intends to present a summary of Professor Sands' legal advice to the authorities at Aldermaston, warning them they risk breaking the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Greenpeace disarmament campaigner Louise Edge said: "While Tony Blair rattles his sabre and waves international treaties at foreigners, he's agitating for Britain to break those same treaties. That's why hundreds of people from across Britain have come here to inspect our country's bomb making factory and highlight Tony Blair's hypocrisy. Our Prime Minister is threatening to wreck the global framework that remains our best hope of stopping nuclear weapons spreading across the planet."
She continued: "Work to build a new nuclear bomb must halt until the country has had the promised debate. The real threat to Britain isn't nuclear attack, it's climate change. Blair's successor could make Britain a low carbon country with the tens of billions it would cost to build a new atomic weapons system. If New Labour wants to renew itself, like it says it does, then dropping Trident renewal should be the first thing a new leader does."
Roddick, attempting to reach the Aldermaston fence this morning, said: "Sixty years ago we invented a way to extinguish life on Earth at the touch of a button, which was one of the less impressive things human beings ever did. Now Tony Blair has the chance to leave an historic legacy to the world by making Britain the first UN Security Council member to say we no longer want or need these monstrous weapons. If he doesn't he'll break international treaties and send an invitation to every nation on Earth to join the nuclear club."
Sian Jones of Block the Builders said: "To continue pouring money into building new nuclear weapons facilities makes a mockery of the promised debate. Actions speak louder than words. If the government genuinely wants a debate then construction work at Aldermaston must stop today. Block the Builders will return to AWE Aldermaston on 11 December to verify whether construction work has ceased, and if not we will attempt to halt construction work through positive non-violent direct action. The battle for hearts and minds is won. Most people would rather money for Trident replacement is spent on real security needs like health and housing. We're inviting all those people to put their bodies where their hearts are and come join us."
Tell your MP to stop the new nuclear bomb
Greenpeace Moblog
Legal opinion released this week by Philippe Sands QC
Recent report on weapons developments at Aldermaston
Block the Builders
Anita Roddict explains why she's at Aldermaston:
Nuclear Weapons Inspectors stopped by police at Aldermaston:
Megaphone conversation - weapons inspectors at Aldermaston:
