welcome

Block the Builders is a campaign which aims to nonviolently prevent the building of a new laser facility at AWE Aldermaston, the first stage of a series of proposed developments which would enable AWE Aldermaston to build new nuclear weapons. Block the Builders holds a monthly nonviolent blockade of the site. As and when details of companies profitting from the development of new nuclear weapons emerge, we also protest at that companies offices or site. Companies known to be exploiting the illegal expansion of AWE are based all over the UK and overseas. Click here for company/contract info and details of some past demonstrations.

You can take action against the development of new nuclear weapons by taking your protest to companies involved in developing these illegal weapons in your own local area. You can have a direct impact on the development without coming to AWE! The infopack gives you a basic idea about the campaign, and how you can pledge to join in.

Some background

On 23 June 2004, the Thatcham planning committee accepted the Ministry of Defence's proposal to build a state of the art laser facility (the Orion laser) at AWE Aldermaston. The facilities, which will enable the development of new nuclear weapons at Aldermaston, received less scrutiny by the planning committee than a supermarket. The next step in the legal process will be a formal building application by AWE Aldermaston, which is also unlikely to receive much scrutiny.

Many people, and local Councils, now demand a public inquiry into the proposed developments at Aldermaston, but the outcome of such an inquiry would not be legally binding. It seems the public has less opportunities to make its voice heard in the planning of a nuclear weapons factory, than if your neighbour wants to build a new garage.

New nuclear weapons - immoral and illegal

Any new nuclear weapons would be immoral – and unlawful. They are indiscriminate weapons which cannot distinguish between military and civilian targets, and which have a deadly legacy for generations. Any nuclear weapon – even a targetable low yield weapon – violates international law. The radiation released by any nuclear weapon cannot be contained in either space or time.

New weapons would mean that the UK would continue to break its international obligations under the Nuclear Non–Proliferation Treaty (NPT) – to make progress, in good faith, towards disarmament. The new facilities at AWE also undermine the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (signed and ratified by the UK, but not yet in force), as they would enable research on nuclear weapons to continue without underground testing.

Can we do it? Yes we can!

The Block the Builders campaign aims to increase awareness of the new developments, and to mobilise for nonviolent action against these developments. This is an ongoing nonviolent direct action campaign, Block the Builders itself focuses on organising the nonviolent blockade of construction at AWE Aldermaston and to provide information for others wishing to participate in the protest process in other areas.

Why should I pledge?

The pledge to Block the Builders is a very important aspect of the campaign. It serves as a mobilisation tool, and as more people join the pledge it increases the pressure on the authorities within the planning process, and for a public inquiry. But it also shows that when all "legal" options have failed, then we are prepared to take nonviolent direct action, and put our bodies in front of the builders: builders who will build the Orion laser – and therefore bring the next generation of nuclear weapons one step closer. Pledges can be for “arrestable” or supporting roles.

All pledgers will receive updates of the new developments at Aldermaston, and information related to the Block the Builders action/campaign. Existing or new groups are welcome to get involved in the organising process.