I take inspiration from Gandhi Gordon Brown, 17th January 2007
So do we Gordon, by engaging in non-violent direct action, peacefully obstructing
the day to day running of the Trident base at Faslane and Coulport.
We
are the generation that will grow old alongside the new weapon system. We consider
Trident renewal to be short-sighted.
Britain's
policy of nuclear deterrence will only antagonise rather than resolve the current
geo-political tensions.
If
Gordon Brown wants to engage young people in politics, he must listen to our
very real concerns.
The
Strident Tent State will engage 150 students from across Britain in six days
of intensive workshops, discussion forums and lobbying.
Strident
will bring together students and experts in nuclear policy, diplomacy and international
relations to envision the practical steps needed for disarmament. A transition
from a “peace” based on threats to a true state of security based on mutual
interdependence is needed. This can be achieved through constructive dialogue
and we consider this to be a long-term process.
Trident
is illegal under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Article VI. Britain
is legally obliged to disarm.
Each Trident missile is 8 times more powerful than that which was dropped
on Hiroshima, killing 200,000 people.
The new generation of Trident weapons will cost an estimated £76 billion
over its lifetime. This money could be better spent on education, the NHS
and tackling climate change.
Trident
consists of 4 submarines, each carrying 16 missiles which patrol 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year. Reducing the number of submarines from four to three
will not reduce the potential fire power.
