FIVE hundred people held a vigil outside Westminster Abbey today in protest at a “thanksgiving service” for Britain’s nuclear arsenal.

The Royal Navy said it held the service inside the abbey to mark 50 years of continuous nuclear-armed submarine patrols.

The demonstration outside was organised by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), including the group’s Christian wing.

Hundreds of protesters staged a “die-in” to represent the victims of nuclear war.

Musician Brian Eno, Bruce Kent and three Anglican vicars were among those who attended.

CND general secretary Kate Hudson said: “It was truly sickening to hear Westminster Abbey’s bells played like wedding bells as guests left the nuclear weapons thanksgiving service.

“Our die-in was symbolic of the people who were killed in the atomic bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki – and a sign of what would happen in the event of nuclear war.

“We hope government and church learn from today and that we never see a repeat of such an inappropriate event.

“Instead, every level of the church, government and society should be engaged in efforts to de-escalate nuclear tensions that are rising by the day.

“We must all work together towards a nuclear weapon-free world.”
 
In a letter sent to CND last week, Tory defence minister Earl Howe insisted that the event would not “celebrate” or “give thanks” to nuclear weapons.

The peer said it was “important to recognise that other service personnel, civil servants and industry partners have all contributed to the maintenance of the UK’s independent nuclear deterrent, making it a truly national endeavour, and one that is worthy of recognition.”