The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament has confirmed it will go ahead with protests against a Royal Navy thanksgiving service to mark 50 years of Britain’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) at Westminster Abbey on Friday.
Bruce Kent, CND vice-president and former Catholic Priest, said:
“Two hundred Anglican clerics have publicly condemned the service – in their view it should not go ahead because it is at odds with church policy to “work tirelessly” for a world free of nuclear weapons. I think they’re right and the Abbey has got this very wrong.”
CND spokesperson Kate Hudson said:
“Despite huge opposition from clergy and the public, it looks like this morally repugnant service will go ahead.
“We will be there to say its never okay to celebrate weapons that would kill millions if they were used.”
Actor Samuel West said earlier “I thought this was a joke. An Onion headline. It’s real.” link
Here are a few facts and figures about today’s Westminster Abbey nuclear weapons thanksgiving service and CND’s response, including details of celebrities.
- The service is billed as a “National Service of Thanksgiving to mark 50 years of the Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD)” Link to source
- 200 Anglican clerics have condemned the service Link to source
- At least 5000 letters of opposition were sent from members of the public to the Dean of Westminster and the Defence Secretary, according to CND lobby tool figures
- Brian Eno, Bianca Jagger and Bruce Kent will address the CND rally outside Westminster Abbey
- Three Anglican clergy will address a Christian vigil
- Timings: Protesters will gather at 11am on Storey’s Gate opposite Westminster Abbey, on Friday 3 May 2019
A ‘die-in’ will take place at 12 noon alongside a Christian vigil organised by Christian CND
At 1pm, a CND rally with speeches will begin as the service comes to an end and CASD reception begins at the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre - The CASD service itself will take place in the Abbey between 12 noon and 1pm, followed by a reception between 1pm and 3.30pm at the Queen Elizabeth II conference centre.
- Press photographers will also see a large “No Thanksgiving for Nuclear Weapons” banner and CND placards
- Press contact on the day: Ian on 07412019623