UK: Anti-Trident activists blockade Faslane naval base in nuclear sub protest

Hundreds of activists blockaded the Faslane Royal Navy base near Helensburgh, west Scotland, on Monday, to protest against the UK's Trident nuclear programme. Protesters held signs reading "scrap Trident" and "bairns not bombs" and lay on the ground connecting arm to make it more difficult for the police to remove them. Protesters began gathering at around 07.00 local time (08.00 GMT), and quickly managed, despite a large police presence, to block all entrances into the facility. The 'Bairns (babies) not Bombs' anti-nuclear campaign aims for the closure of the Faslane Naval Base and the eradication of the Trident nuclear programme in Scottish territory. The campaign has cross-party support in Scotland, but the main Westminster parties back the nuclear programme. According to the protesters, the majority of Scottish people are against the base being situated in the country, with many preferring the money to be spent on social issues. A decision regarding the renewal of the Trident nuclear programme is expected in the next few years.