Hackney knitters want to stitch up £100 billion Trident nuclear plan
The knitters outside Abney Park cemetery. - Credit: Archant
Campaigners in Stoke Newington are making a bid to combat deadly nuclear weapons by knitting wool.
A group of nimble-fingered Stoke Newington knitters have joined a national campaign to make a seven-mile long pink scarf in protest at the £100 billion plan to replace the UK’s Trident nuclear weapons system.
The scarf will be stretched between two nuclear weapons factories in Berkshire on Saturday August 9 as part of the Wool Against Weapons “rewoolution”, which is backed by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).
St Mary’s Church, opposite Clissold Park, has become the hub for the local campaign and “knit-ins” have been springing up in the street, in homes, after Sunday church services, and at the farmers’ market.
Local knitter Liz Watson said: “I have never heard any convincing argument for retaining nuclear weapons and I want our government to know that.
“To combat violence with violence increases violence - what a symbol to combat deadly power with knitting wool.
She added: “It’s a brilliant, simple, fun campaign, and it is already bringing people together in new ways.”
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The Stokie group is aiming to make their scarf a quarter of a mile long which will be joined with others nationally.
Contributors are asked to use any “glorious shade of pink”, using any thickness of yarn, and any stitch to make the scarves which must measure 60cm by 100cm.
The next knit-in takes place tomorrow, Saturday June 14 outside The Old Church in Stoke Newington Church Street from 1pm to 3pm.
For more information email lizwatson@blueyonder.co.uk.
A cabinet office spokesman said no final decision will be taken on the UK Trident programme, which encompasses the development, procurement and operation of nuclear weapons, until after the general election next year.
A review of the system has been undertaken and the Liberal Democrats are making the case for a possible alternative.
