How Can I Help?

Tracking and monitoring is dealt with here.

This is about raising public awareness and understanding, registering Nuclear Warhead Convoys as an issue of concern with local elected representatives and official bodies, and building a local network for monitoring, tracking, protesting and lobbying.

Each locality is unique. Things work in one place that don't in another. These ideas are not separate initiatives, they all feed into each other and there is no priority order in the listing...

Banners protesting at passing nuclear weapons convoys
Banners protesting at passing nuclear weapons convoys

Join the Nukewatch Update Email List – This will allow you to alert elected representatives, Local Authorities and other official bodies of when a convoy has been on the road. You can join by giving your email in the left column now.

Get into Dialogue with Local Authorities over the additional risks caused by "continuous running". The Model letter to Emergency Planning Officers (EPO) is a good start in the current situation.

Local Authorities along convoy routes and near fixed sites, in co-operation with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), are required to make contingency plans to deal with a nuclear accident. The MoD issues Local Authorities Emergency Services Information (LAESI) Guidelines to cover emergency arrangements for road accidents involving the transport of nuclear weapons, nuclear materials and new fuel for nuclear submarines.

It is unlikely that local planners will have adequately addressed the long-term consequences of the contamination of land and property, in the event of a nuclear transport accident. Local Authorities and the Emergency Services are not forewarned of nuclear convoy movements within their area, whether on land, sea or air.

Under the LAESI guidelines, Local Authorities and the Emergency Services are asked to commit themselves to provide a service and level of care that they cannot actually deliver - inviting litigation against them from injured parties.

Along with contacting the EPO it would be advisable to make parallel contact with local elected members (check whether local council is a member of Nuclear Free Local Authorities) and member(s) of parliament. Offer them briefings and updates. Note that many Local Authorities have only part-time Emergency Planning Officers.

Dialogue with Other Local Official Bodies may also be fruitful. Consider dropping into relevant fire stations, ask to speak to the duty officer and leave some leaflets. Contact the public/community health team on the local board. They may wish to be on an alert list. Write to all parish/community councils in the area offering a short presentation.

Protester on nuclear warhead carrier
Protester on nuclear warhead carrier

 
Marking the Routes – Displaying signs along the convoy route is an effective way to raise public awareness. Maybe add a safety warning to drive extra carefully in case nuclear warheads are on the road. Asking people to look out for convoys and to let Nukewatch know if they see one. Leaflets can be left at local truck stops so that lorry drivers can contact NW if they see a convoy. Display a map in the town centre showing which parts of the town are at risk.

Road-Side Protests - can be very effective in raising public awareness when a convoy is passing or is due. Simple message banners and placards will often give motorists a quickly and safely digested message.

Film Screenings – Organise a screening of the Camcorder Guerillas film about Nukewatch to raise awareness of the convoy passing through your community. The film includes interviews with grass roots activists, environmental journalists, and international disarmament experts as well as local authorities and fire services about the dangers and illegalities of this deadly cargo. The film can be used as an educational tool in schools and colleges. If you would like a speaker to come along to the screening that can be arranged. The film DVD includes an Action Pack, full of useful info and Exhibition Materials to accompany the screening and provides insight into an issue usually well hidden from the public. Leaflets about the film are available for anyone who is able to help distribute the film within your local area, or to your local authority. For leaflets or to order a copy of the film contact film on the contacts page or phone 0141 416 3161.

Nuclear warhead convoy stopped on A811
Nuclear warhead convoy stopped on A811

Nonviolent Direct Action - Protests against convoys may involve nonviolent direct action (NVDA). Convoy vehicles have been damaged by activists while parked up and at least one stopover site has had the attention of activists. More commonly, people have gone safely into the roadway and compelled a convoy to stop, allowing others to climb aboard.

We recommend that people who wish to engage in NVDA take part in a Preparatory NVDA Workshop and tap into the help and advice of experienced people. Advice should also be sought from Nukewatch about potential legal consequences. Court appearances can provide another good opportunity for raising public and official awareness.

Nukewatch Guidelines for NVDA

  1. Nothing should be thrown at a moving vehicle in a warhead convoy.
  2. The action should be called off if road and weather conditions make it unsafe (when there is fog or ice or the road is waterlogged)
  3. There has to be a visible roadside demonstration at the place where the action occurs to ensure the drivers know something might happen.
  4. Actions should only be carried out where the convoy has to travel slowly – at junctions, roundabouts through roadworks. You should never try to stop the convoy when it is travelling fast.
  5. It is preferable that more than one person should do the action. Be aware of other vehicles on the road.

 
Local Media - All the above activities can lead to helpful coverage. One local paper recently went so far as to include the contact number for people to phone if they spotted a convoy. Local papers will also (on occasions) print your photographs so having a reasonable digital camera at roadside protests is advised. Local radio has also great potential. For a listing of local media see www.mediauk.com. Nukewatch has developed a list of things appropriate and inappropriate for dissemination by the media (including websites). See Sharing Information.

Campaigning against the convoys will be more effective if there is a good meshing between local and national campaigning. Local groups are asked to feedback to the Nukewatch network not only information about the convoy but also progress (or otherwise!) in lobbying work and in other activities.