Quakers take action against government nuclear arms plans

14 Mar 2007

Quakers in Britain will take part in an inter-faith vigil outside Parliament today (14 March) as MPs prepare to vote on government proposals to replace Trident.

Quaker Peace & Social Witness (QPSW) along with other faith communities will join together in silent witness to oppose the building of a new fleet of nuclear armaments.

David Gee, of QPSW, said it was important for all those who wish to see an end to nuclear weapons to act now, "The government's decision will either confirm the UK as a nuclear weapon state into the 2050s or make history by contributing more to global nuclear disarmament than any nation has in decades." He added, "MPs have had only one week to read and digest the Defence Committee's very dense report, before today's vote. At the very least we ask that this important decision be delayed, even for a few months, to allow for a deeper strategic analysis of the issues and a wider public debate."

The vigil outside parliament is part of ongoing action by Quakers alongside other faith communities and peace groups, to ensure that the issue is subject to full and open public debate, and that the arguments in favour of disarmament and non-proliferation are heard loud and clear.