Tommy Sheridan released

The Scottish Socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan was released this morning from Greenock prison after spending the week in prison. He had refused to pay a £250 fine imposed for his part in a sit down protest at the gates of Faslane in February. As he was release he took off his jacket and revealed a T Shirt with the words "Scotland Nuclear Free". He was greeted by his wife Gail who has supported his stance.

Mr Sheridan encouraged people to support the Big Blockade at Faslane in 2001:

"Certainly on February 12 next year there will be a big turn out of peace protesters fighting for the disarmament of nuclear weapons and a war on poverty rather than a war on ordinary human beings."

He also said that he hoped that his stance had helped to raise the issue of Trident:

"I hope that what we have managed to do is to put nuclear disarmament back on the political agenda in Scotland."

The Big Blockade next year has received cross party support from MSPs. It is expected that several will be in attendance to show their support including Sandra White (SNP), Robin Harper (Green party) and John McAllion (Labour). Tommy Sheridan is expected to sit down at the gates along with Green Party MEP Caroline Lucas.