Quakers at Burghfield blockade
Protesters blocked a main entrance to the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Burghfield
Quakers were among an eight-strong group of protesters who blocked a main entrance into the Atomics Weapons Establishment (AWE) in Burghfield, Berkshire, on Monday 19 May. The group sat down in the gateway at 7.20am and chained themselves together. Other protestors stood alongside them, offering support and liaising with police, site staff and the public.
A joint activity involving Christians, Yorkshire CND and grassroots campaigning network Action AWE, the protest lasted until 11.30am, despite unseasonably hot weather. By this stage, the AWE staff’s arrival to work had been significantly delayed, with queues stretching some distances from alternative entrances to the site.
Among those blocking the gate were Bradford Friend Phil Wood and Hannah Brock, a Quaker from London.
Hannah told the Friend that the protesters were happy with the results of their actions: ‘It was a really empowering experience for all of us, especially those who were taking part in direct action for the first time. We hope it inspires others to campaign against Trident’.
The blockade was timed to coincide with the final week of European election campaigns. The organisers want all candidates, along with those standing in next year’s general election, to commit to opposing the renewal of the Trident nuclear weapons system.
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