On Saturday 22nd March, we will be travelling to Barrow to join the national march on the BAE Systems shipyards called by national CND.

Trident is an immoral weapon of mass destruction. Each of the 4 Dreadnought class submarines being built in Barrow would have the capacity to carry multiple nuclear warheads, each with 30 times the destructive power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945.

Barrow and its hinterland need diverse economic development providing secure employment for future generations, not dependence on a single arms manufacturer like BAE Systems. The area needs investment in sustainable industries making better use of its skilled workers and heritage.

Trident will cost hundreds of billions. In 2016, it’s estimated lifetime cost was already £205,000,000,0000. These are billions that could be spent on developing industries, jobs and services needed to sustain towns like Barrow in the long-term and to free them from dependence on weapons production.

Barrow’s role in the Trident programme makes it an obvious military target. Indeed, we know from the North West Evening Mail (15th August 2024) that the Russian military has already rehearsed a scenario in which Barrow’s shipyard would be the main target in a nuclear attack on the UK.

Accidents involving the meltdown of working nuclear-powered engines in the dock would result in the release of highly radioactive iodine, leaving anyone exposed – especially children and unborn babies – at high risk of developing thyroid cancers. (Stable iodine tablets taken soon enough afterwards may counter this risk, but, the World Health Organisation tells us that they would “not protect against any other radioactive substances that may be released in the environment.”)

It is imperative that we make this demonstration as big as possible, marking a new moment in bringing forth a campaign for justice, peace and diversification. If you would like to join us on the coach then book your tickets here.

If you really cannot afford a seat, then get in touch and we will work something out.

See you there!