ANTI-NUCLEAR protesters are to take to the streets across Scotland ahead of a crucial UK Government vote on the renewal of Trident.

Demonstrations will be held in towns and cities, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, this Saturday before the vote takes place on Monday, July 18.

Endorsed by the Proclaimers, the protesters are calling for “Trident No More”, and iconic independence artist Stewart Bremner has captured their aspirations with a powerful graphic.

Jane Tallents, anti-nuclear campaigner said: “People across Scotland will be braced for yet another decision by Westminster politicians to be imposed on us. But it must be challenged and not swept away from public scrutiny or media attention. We won’t be silenced.”

A delegation will also lobby the UK parliament tomorrow carrying pleas from people in every constituency in Scotland to MPs, not only to ask them to vote against renewal – as 57 of the 59 have already said they will do – but also to demand that the UK abandons its boycott of the UN negotiations in August and works with other states for a nuclear weapons ban.

“On the face of it, the UK government will win Commons support for its intention to renew Trident,” said anti-Trident activist David Mackenzie. “Yet a bloc of the SNP, the Greens, LibDems and Labour MPs could seek for a delay to the decision, given the current political chaos.

“Let’s be clear – this is not about some strategic abstraction. If you vote for renewal you are indicating your readiness to kill millions of people, to cause hideous suffering to many more and to risk triggering a global climate catastrophe.

“Scottish independence is the most likely route to disarming the UK but this horrific intention must be challenged.”

The demonstrations are all to begin at noon, and will also be held in Aberdeen, East Kilbride, Dundee, Stirling, Ayr, Biggar, Largs and Wick.

Full details of the demonstrations are at bit.ly/AntiTridentdemos