CAMPAIGNERS yesterday delivered the message that a “nuclear-free independent Scotland is possible” as a rally was held outside the Faslane submarine base on the Clyde.
The demonstration against Trident, organised by All Under One Banner, brought together a range of speakers from parties and campaign groups.
AUOB said it was a departure from its usual campaigning to hold a rally on the issue of nuclear weapons, but added the issue was also about what type of country Scotland would be when it becomes independent.
“These are weapons of mass destruction, they are indiscriminate, and it is a disgrace that they are sited here in the West of Scotland,” a spokesman said.
“This is about democracy. The Scottish Government do not support nuclear weapons in Scotland, most of the population are opposed to it.
“They are imposed here by the British State and it is one of the reasons why we want independence.
“This goes to the heart of the type of Scotland we want – a Scotland that is open, peace-loving, inclusive, that opposes war, it opposes imperialism.
“It is a departure, but it is an important one to put the message out about the type of country we want when we become independent.”
Among the speakers was Toni Giugliano (below) of Dumbarton SNP, who told the rally: “I hear the likes of the UK Chancellor – the billionaire UK Chancellor – say that we can’t afford the £20 uplift to Universal Credit.
“Let me offer up a suggestion – stop funding redundant nuclear weapons and start investing in the people of our country who need it most.”
Giugliano (below) said the process to remove the “unlawful weapons” must be started within the first 100 days of independence.
He said: “We will ensure Faslane thrives as a fit-for-purpose, non-nuclear base, retaining the jobs and talent that already exist to support the communities of this area and beyond.
“I am sick of hearing from the likes of Scottish Labour and the local MSP that we would close this base – absolutely not, we will ensure the talent remains, but we will have no nuclear weapons on our soil.
“With independence, we will be able to shift the debate on Trident – it won’t any longer be about its relocation or about its renewal, it will be about getting rid of it once and for all.”
He also urged the Yes movement to work together as it did in 2014.
“Now is the time for us to unite as we did then, to create the nuclear-free independent Scotland we know is possible – and it is up to us to make that happen,” he added.
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