The legendary Greenham Women’s Peace Camp is celebrating a significant anniversary: it is 40 years since the first women marched from Wales to RAF Greenham Common to oppose the siting of cruise missiles in the UK. When they arrived at Greenham Common they stayed on – setting up a peace camp outside the base. The camp remained, making a huge impact on British politics and society, until the missiles were removed.
Greenham Women Everywhere are marking the anniversary with a momentous re-creation of the original march, leaving Cardiff today – Thursday August 26th – and arriving at Greenham on Friday September 3rd for a weekend of festivities.
Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament General Secretary, Kate Hudson said: “The Women’s peace camp at Greenham Common was a powerful anti-nuclear protest that transformed the nature of protest in its dynamism and creativity. It is a huge testament to the impact of non-violent direct action and how the unrelenting determination of just a few, can gain such widespread support both nationally and internationally. Tens of thousands of women visited Greenham over the years, inspired by their actions in the cause of peace and nuclear disarmament. I was proud to be amongst the 30,000 women linking hands – and embracing the Greenham base – on 12 December 1982.
“The protest by women at Greenham played a significant role in achieving the INF Treaty – removing cruise missiles from Britain and disarming a whole class of nuclear weapons across Europe. That was a triumph that we continue to celebrate as we pay tribute to this path-breaking movement. It will never be forgotten.
“But the fight to get rid of the UK’s nuclear weapons is not over. Solidarity and congratulations to all those taking action across the country this week. We stand with you.”