Thousands expected at NATO summit protests in Wales

THOUSANDS of people are expected to travel from across Europe to South Wales from late August for protests against the meeting of 60 world leaders at Celtic Manor, Newport, for the NATO summit.

Commenting earlier this year, Chief Constable Jeff Farrar predicted massive protests, telling the Gwent Police and Crime Panel: “We’re expecting loosely 20,000-plus protesters; the majority will be peaceful campaigners.”

More than a hundred organisations have now backed a statement calling for a week of protests starting on 30 August issued by ‘No NATO Newport’, a coalition of Welsh anti-war, anti-cuts, trade union, community and faith groups.

Organisations backing the call include Stop the War Coalition, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Veterans for Peace UK, the People's Assembly Against Austerity, Black Triangle – The Anti-Defamation Campaign in Defence of Disability Rights, and ‘No to NATO’, a European network of peace groups.

From Wales, Plaid Cymru and  Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, the Welsh Language Society, are understood to be backing the call for protests. Several faith groups and leaders have also backed the call.

A spokesperson for ‘No NATO Newport’ said:

“From 30 August, thousands of people from all over the world will flock to Wales, set up tents, kitchens, peaceful barricades and occupy Newport for a week of action including marches, a peace camp and a ‘People’s Summit’ to debate alternatives.

“The week of protest will open with an ‘Eve of Summit’ march through Newport City Centre on Saturday 30 August led by delegations of trade unionists, anti-war veterans and peace activists from Germany, Belgium, Spain, Greece and elsewhere. We expect this to be massive.”

On Sunday 31 August, Cardiff Council, the largest local authority in Wales, will support a free ‘NATO Counter-Summit’ at County Hall with speakers from around the world on alternatives to the war and austerity polices. The counter-summit will continue with a series of event in Newport through the week.

The spokesperson added:

“On Thursday 4 September, as the NATO summit opens, we expect a day of peaceful mass civil disobedience. World leaders will be making their voices heard, it is vital that the voice of millions around the world who need peace and justice is also heard.”

A host of public figures – including the Archbishop of Wales, Rt Rev Dr Barry Morgan; left wing Labour MPs  Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell; and prominent Plaid Cymru politicians – have pledged support.