Major fallout as activists target service for 50yrs of sub nukes

LAUNCH Resolution sub, ’67 CAMPAIGNERS have slammed plans for a service to mark 50 years of our submarine-based nuclear missile defence system as “morally repugnant”.

Operation Relentless, the Royal Navy’s “continuousat-sea deterrent”, started in 1969 when Polaris weapons were loaded on to the Resolution-class submarine fleet.

At least one submarine fully armed with nukes has been lurking beneath the waves ever since.

Naval chiefs, senior ministers and former submariners will attend a Westminster Abbey ceremony in May.

But protesters have vowed to demonstrate outside the London landmark if the hour-long, invitation-only tribute goes ahead. Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament general secretary Kate Hudson said: “It’s morally repugnant that a service of thanksgiving for Britain’s nuclear weapons system is due to be held at Westminster Abbey.

“This sends out a terrible message to the world about our country. It says that here in Britain, we celebrate weapons – in a place of worship – that can kill millions of people. If the Defence Secretary doesn’t cancel this service, we call on the Church authorities to stop it.”

The Resolution-class submarines were replaced with four Vanguard subs carrying Trident missiles in the mid-1990s. Ministers and Navy top brass believe the five decades of service deserve recognition.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has backed the commemoration, previously telling MPs: “The MoD is proud to continue to protect the security and stability not only of our nation but of our allies.

“I will be attending the commemoration service and I hope many colleagues from both sides of the House will also be able to commemorate this important milestone.”

The Abbey and MoD issued identical responses, saying: “The service marking the 50 years of the continuous-atsea-deterrent is not a service of thanksgiving or a celebration of nuclear armaments. The service will recognise the commitment of the Royal Navy to effective peacekeeping through the deterrent over the past 50 years and will pray for peace throughout the world.”