LOUSY timing, that’s my trouble. There I was on Wednesday in the splendid Central Lobby at Westminster in a circle of lovely people from Trident Ploughshares staging political theatre (and breaking regulations). We proclaimed by name each country that had signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (agreed by 122 states at the UN on July 7 last year) but boycotted by the UK.

Police surrounded us closely, but did not physically interfere. The Sergeant at Arms was in fact quite charming.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch yet another nuclear convoy was charging up from Burghfield to Coulport, Grannie’s Heilan Hame to Britain’s 200 hydrogen bombs, and Europe’s biggest nuclear arsenal. Normally a few dedicated activists follow this and, where possible and safe to do so, stop it, and are arrested. And I have form.

So can I explain my absence on this occasion to my good friends in Police Scotland and point out yet again to them that the International Court of Justice in The Hague in 1996 affirmed that nuclear weapons violate international law. Also, the 1945 London Agreement on war crimes enshrined the principle that all individuals are personally responsible for their action, it is not possible to plead in defence that one was merely obeying orders.

Anyone who is involved in the manufacture, transportation, guarding or firing of nuclear weapons is part of a conspiracy to commit genocide, war crimes and crimes against peace, and is liable to prosecution under international law.

Which is I why was in Westminster, and not chasing the convoy as I normally do.

But please can I ask officers of the law to carefully consider their own duties and responsibilities in the present circumstances where they are supporting a state policy which is manifestly criminal?

The Nuremberg excuse of “we were only obeying orders” is spent. It is Trident Ploughshares who are upholding law. As Prof Richard Falk said: “Everyone has the right and duty to say no to illegal state policy. It is not disobedience but the enforcement of the law to refuse to be an accomplice to the preparation of nuclear war.”
Brian Quail
Anti-nuclear weapons campaigner

THE recent damnation of the Directors of the collapsed construction giant Carillion by the Work and Pensions Department and Commons committees merely highlights the corporate greed by those directors.

It affected so many employees, sub-contractors and those who have not yet accessed their pension pot. The devastating consequences will hopefully be short term for most employees, however, for sub-contractors the pain could be long lasting with many put on the brink due to Carillion’s non-payment of monies due.

Furthermore there is no guarantee of the Government’s Pension Protection Fund, which is supposed to guarantee 90% of expected pension, having sufficient funds to meet the deficient the Carillion Pension Fund currently has. There are no certainty’s in life, but this case once again exposes the risks of joining a work place pension scheme with no guarantees. Yet the Conservative government has introduced “auto enrolment” with no guarantee more Carillion cases will not follow, or that pension contributions are being ring fenced.

The one security net for most is that the state pension is always there, even if many are having to wait a bit longer to receive it. But for how long? Is the auto enrolment merely the prelude to the Government doing away with state pensions as we know it?
Catriona Clark
Falkirk

I AM flattered that my photo found it’s way to The National (Wigtown celebrates 20 years as Scotland’s book town, May 16), which is the only daily available in our cafe.

The saltire bunting round the barrow was my touch, but credit for the composition and quality of picture belongs to the photographer, and it shows off our bonnie wee toun, to good effect. Wigtown is as you report, is Scotland’s National book town, and has been now for 20 years. That status gives visitors a reason to come here; it seems to work, and has gone some way to reviving the town.

Personally, it was always our plan to move back to Galloway, and we did in 2010, once my partner found suitable work. I joined the book-selling fraternity in 2013. Wigtown is a quiet, sleepy place ideal for book lovers, or gentle folk interested in Galloway.

Apart from cooking for people, which I do indeed enjoy, it provides a great chance to share my enthusiasm for Bonnie Gallowa’, all things Scottish, and especially Gaelic. We have met amazing people, struck up fascinating conversations, and made good friends.

You will never make your fortune running a bookshop/cafe, but it has it’s rewards, and helps folk appreciate our heritage and literature.
Andrew Wilson
Wigtown