Helen and Sylvia meet with two students from Bradford University to talk about the virtues and disillusionments that befall the modern day peace campaigner. Coinciding with an opportunity to meet with a local journalist, the women share insights, ideas and frustrations of a society that supports the upgrade of nuclear submarines yet arrests those that stand in opposition for breach of the peace. As two generations come together, history shares a table with the future; so is it time for the batten to finally be handed down?
FURTHER INFORMATION
Read the article that was published as a result of this encounter.
Helen believes passionately in the power of the press to generate publicity, whilst Sylvia typically prefers to fly under the radar. But being a Yorkshire grandmother on trial for terrorism has a tendency to attract media interest and with the women needing to raise awareness of the issues at stake, they jointly become press gurus as they involve national and local journalists in their story.
Almost a year since their arrest, Helen and Sylvia’s trial for terrorism begins. The consequences of a conviction could result in 51 weeks in prison and/or a £5,000 fine, however, it seems when facing potential incarceration there is always time for a little light relief first!
Their defence argument centres on the legitimacy of choosing the sites which are to be designated under Section 128 of The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (SOCPA). By designating sites of nuclear and/or military interest under the act – sites which are likely to attract anti-nuclear, anti-war and environmental campaigners, they argue that freedom of speech and the right of protest is being severely threatened.
In relation to the designation of U.S Spy Base Menwith Hill under the act, they raise the question of whether a British law can and should be used to protect American interests. With the Judge taking an interest in the designation of sites under SOCPA and how these decisions arise, it seems that these two grandmothers from Yorkshire may be onto something; the question is, are they up to it?
For a greater understanding of their initial act of protest which led to the charge, watch “A terrorist but not a violent terrorist” in the opening trilogy.
Sylvia has, by her own admission, received countless convictions as a result of campaigning for a peaceful world. In this episode we discover how her family has been effected by the choices she has made.
Disarming Grandmothers 