MORE than 40 anti-nuclear weapons activists turned out for the ‘Trident No More’ protest in Peebles - two days before the House of Commons vote on whether to renew the UK’s controversial weapons system.

And, a petition with over 100 signatures was gathered and sent to Tweeddale MP David Mundell.

Anti-Trident campaigner Cat Hamilton who headed up the demonstration, on Saturday, July 16, was surprised by the positive turn out on the day. “We were quite pleased with how many people came out to support us,” she said.

“Most people stopped to have a chat with us and sign the petition, we didn’t get the usual people ducking their heads and speed-walking past.

“I was quite surprised with the positive response with Peebles being Mundell country.”

Peebles was one of 36 towns across the country to take part in the ‘Trident No More’ protest at the weekend.

However, Monday’s vote didn’t go their way, and MPs backed the renewal of Trident by 472 votes to 117. 

The vote approves the manufacture of four replacement submarines at an estimated cost of £31bn.

“I was sick with the result on Monday to be honest,” Cat added.

“I kind of expected it to go that way, but it’s so disappointing because the country are spending so much money on these things which are never used and that we hope we’ll never have to use - I certainly hope no idiot will ever be inclined to press the button. 

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“We need to start investing in other things like our struggling NHS rather than weapons of mass destruction.

“But I’m an optimist and there’s always hope for change.

"I do feel at a bit of a loss having the only Tory MP in Scotland David Mundell representing us, who obviously voted for the renewal of the system, but if nobody fought for change then nothing would ever happen.

“People power cannot be underestimated.”

The UKs four nuclear submarines - which can each carry up to 16 ballistic nuclear missiles capable of hitting targets up to 7,500 miles away - will be renewed in 2028.

At any one moment, at least one submarine is actively on patrol in Britain’s waters in case an attack is required following a severe threat or strike against the UK.

“We should have a deterrent and something protect our country,” Cat continued.

“But I don’t think our defence should be nuclear. They are weapons of mass destruction and kill people indiscriminately.

"That is not the way a humane society should be willing to attack if a threat ever did come our way.”