Apologies: this one is rather long (but worth it)

1. Stop Trump’s Nuclear Arms Race protests: assemble 5.30 today (20th) at the East End of Princes Street and march to the US consulate Regent Terrace. There is also a demo at US Embassy London
CND is also taking part in the Women’s March in Edinburgh, London and other cities. Organisers have called the protest “to unite and stand together for the dignity and equality of all peoples, for the safety and health of our planet and for the strength of our vibrant and diverse communities.” Edinburgh assemble 11am outside the US consulate 3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW

Edinburgh CND will be at both events with our Arms are for Linking banner and some trump masks.
CNDs Kate Hudson said: “Donald Trump has sparked fear across the world with a series of provocative statements. He has called for the expansion of the US nuclear capability, the tearing up of the Iran nuclear deal, and he appeared to welcome a possible arms race in Asia.

2. 2017 is set to be an historic year as negotiations begin at the United Nations on an international treaty to ban nuclear weapons.
However, despite the treaty negotiations receiving the backing of 120 countries, the UK voted against and has not indicated whether it will attend the talks beginning in March in New York.
CND is calling on the UK government to play a constructive role in the negotiations and has called a lobby of MPs to give you the chance to persuade your member of Parliament.
Making progress on international disarmament is particularly urgent given the fast changing international situation, including the growing tensions between the US and China.
We urge as many of our supporters as possible to back this important lobby. The CND team will be in parliament on the day to give any information or support you may need. You can come along in your lunch break of after work if you are nearby. Otherwise why not get a group together and come to parliament?
http://cnduk.us12.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=50a46ed98fb9032bd46d11880&id=d02776de87&e=96dcf14be7

More on both the above campaigns in

Click to access January_2017.pdf

and for even more on the global ban:http://nuclearban.org/

If you haven’t signed the petition urging UK government participation: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/175096

3. Stop the War Meetings in Edinburgh and Kirkcaldy:
Edinburgh public meeting What the Trump presidency means for the anti-war movement Monday 23rd January 7.30pm At the Quaker Meeting House
7 Victoria Terrace EH1 2JL There will be plenty of time for an open discussion on the challenges we face in 2017 and what action we can take. Hope to see you there.

Kirkcaldy Public Meeting War and Refugees 26 January at 19:00
Old Kirk, Kirk Wynd, KY1 1EH Kirkcaldy

4. Peace and Justice Burns Supper and Ceilidh
Sat 28 Jan 2017. 6pm Burns Supper. 8 – 11pm Ceilidh.
Full three course Burns’ Supper, with speakers, peace activist and author Alastair McIntoshwith the Immortal Memory, musician and inspiring educator Stan Reeves giving the Address to the Haggis, and political activist, writer and dreamer Zara Kitson responding from the lassies. Dancing until midnight with Hud Yer Wheesht Edinburgh Ceilidh Band, and support acts Various Moons playing Norman MacCaig-inspired tunes, and Kenny Vass singing Burns.
Full licensed bar with organic and local delights and the raffle with Gandolf. Raising vital funds to keep the campaining going for Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre.
Come to the full Burns Supper & Ceilidh or just the Ceilidh
Supper & Ceilidh (supporters) £25 / Standard £20 / Concession £15
Ceilidh Only: Supporters £15 / Standard £10 / Concession £6.50 / Advance concession £5 / under 12 £3.50
Book Tickets at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2

5. CND general secretary Kate Hudson has responded to the announcement that Chelsea Manning will be freed in 2017.
“Chelsea Manning is a heroine and a truth teller of our times, and I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that she will be freed from prison.
“Because of her bravery we obtained yet more evidence of the horrors conducted in our name under the guise of the War on Terror. After her arrest a solidarity movement grew around the world to demand her release. I’m delighted that that day will soon be upon us.”

6. Faslane Peacecamp Wishlist:
Following Edinburgh CNDs visits we include something that we can all do to help the peace camp:
If anyone has anything just lying in the shed or is taking any of this to the dump then just drop it in to us and we can make use of it
WISHLIST:
ply and chip board, 4x4s 4x6s, Firewood Wood, Wooden Pallets for building, Chicken wire, Tarpaulins, Rope, Wood Nails & screws, Fencing, Binoculars/telescope, Wheelbarrow, Shovels, pick axes, Wood burners, Leisure batteries/car batteries, Still saw (petrol), axes, metal bins, Sledge hammer, Petrol chainsaw, Any tools at all!, Canoes/kayaks & paddle, A boat, Bicycles, Brushes/brooms, Climbing gear, Ladders (as high as a base fence), Paint (all colours, Paint brushes, Quilts/bedding/mattresses, Candles, Bicycle/car pump,LED battery lights, Sturdy pots and pans, a good sized Frying pan, Wooden spoons,Tin plates, bowls, cups, Tin box’s (bread box), woodcarving tools, Camo clothes, boots, thick socks, Night vision, Anvil,AA & AAA batteries
People to come for Direct Action
And Visitors!!!

7. Quakers in Scotland and other peace groups have been working on the progression of a joint petition through Scotland’s Public Petitions Committee. This petition calls for greater scrutiny, transparency and guidance around armed forces visits to schools.

8. Next CAAT Edinburgh meeting:
Wednesday 12th April 2017, 7-8.45pm, Quakers Meeting House
CAAT are urging contributions to the Edinburgh Labour Manifesto at http://www.edinburghlabour.com/edinburgh_labour_draft_manifesto_2017 by 28th January!
Minutes of Jan meeting now available.

9. Minutes of the recent Scottish Peace Network meeting are available. The monthly vigil of theScottish Peace Network will take place on Thursday, January 26, from 5-6pm at the Dewar’s statue on Buchanan Street in Glasgow city centre. We will bring a banner, placards and flyers.
May Day 2017: Planning already underway in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Contact us for details.

10.News from Australia:
A bigger update soon and let you all know what is happening, but for now we just wanted to let you know that Yeelirrie just got Ministerial approval – that’s the one that the EPA rejected.
http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/proposals/yeelirrie-uranium-project