Rolls Royce Base Disgraced

Rolls Royce, in addition to making parts for Hawk fighter jets, gas guzzling cars for the rich and generally being corporate scum, also make the nuclear reactors and fuel which power Trident submarines.

So, on the first of October, as part of an international day of anti-nuclear action, 70 activists took part in an action at their base in Derby. The action had the twin aims of publicising the base's activities and of disrupting them. On the first count the action was hugely successful: A large banner told motorists that 'Rolls Royce Drives Nuclear Weapons', while saturation coverage was gained in the local media.

Disrupting the base's workings was sadly far more difficult to achieve due to a heavy police presence (including members of the Forward Intelligence Team). However, some affinity groups blockaded the gate, one group locked on to the front gates, and two groups managed to get inside the compound itself. 12 people were arrested and held for at least 16 hours and charged with conspiracy to commit criminal damage. Two were also charged with perverting the cause of justice for giving false names.

Following the action the homes of 10 of those arrested were raided by police who confiscated bank details, diaries and even one woman's university coursework as evidence. Fortunately the Crown Prsecution Service's attempt to impose repressive bail conditions, in the form of regular police station signings and 'non-association', were turned down in court the next morning.

The huge state clampdown is worthy of consideration. Their reaction suggests that they were particularly worried either by the choice of target or by the form of action, symbolising as these did, the sharing of tactics and targets by the ecological and peace movements. It is hard to know how to overcome such a police response, only that the need for rapid and co-ordinated movement on the day, and tight security in the run up to it, is more important than ever.

The 12 arrestees are in court for a Pre Trial Review on 4th December.

Contact: Greater Manchester & District CND 0161 834 8301.