There’ll be an Edinburgh Stop the War stall at the east end of Princes Street – Saturday 19th Dec, 1pm – 2.30pm – we’ll be leafletting and petitioning to say Stop the Bombing – turn the tide against war. Even if you can only do half an hour do come along.

On Thursday 24th December some members of Women in Black will be at their usual spot (East End of Princes Street) from 1pm to 2pm. We will also be standing to say Stop the Bombing – turn the tide against war. This is not a Women only event and all organisations and individuals are invited.

There will not be an EdinburghCND meeting on 4th Jan, but we are discussing an alternative event later in the month.

Last reminders of 2015: Stop Trident Demo on 27th February 2016 and

Fundraiser at the Stand:
http://www.thestand.co.uk/show/27151/benefit_in_aid_of_edinburgh_cnd

++++++++++After more than 30 years at St John’s Church the Peace and Justice Centre is moving to 5 Upper Bow* just off The Royal Mile, where they will provide information and resources, have exhibition space, our library, and a small shop stocking T-shirts, badges, books and Fair Trade items, and mailboxes, desks and meeting space for Centre Users.

For 2016 the Australians are planning a walk through the Karlamilyi National Park to the proposed Kintyre uranium mine around the beginning of June (more updates coming soon) and FCNL in USA send greetings to all.

From all the staff at CND, thank you for supporting the campaign this year. Whether you signed our petition, ran a street stall, spoke to your MP or made a much-needed donation we are truly grateful. Working together, we’ve had a big impact this year

Following the decision to bomb Syria Edinburgh Stop the War has organised this public meeting to provide a space to pool ideas and discuss practical steps to take the campaign forward. We will have a small number of short plenary contributions but most of the time will be for discussion and debate – we will organise the event to maximise the opportunities for participation.
Wednesday 16th December Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2JL 7.30pm to 9.30pm. EdinburghCND is supporting this important meeting (see 2 below)

There may also be a Peace Vigil on 24th December (watch this space)

1. Edinburgh CND Monthly Meeting Monday 7th December 6pm in ACE  17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh, EH7 5HA All welcome.  Edinburgh CND leafleting 12.30 Saturday 12th (East End of Princes Street)

2. Edinburgh Stop the War Public Meeting on the situation in Syria Quaker Meeting House Victoria Terrace,7.30pm on the 16th December (the day before the Scrap Trident Meeting)

3. Hot off the presses, and straight from the creative desk of Gwen Sinclair, here are the 2015 SCND Christmas cards, with a topical message about the cost of Trident Renewal. The latest estimate is £167billion – now there’s something to write home about! The wording inside the card says “Seasons Greetings” and “There is a £167 billion coin hidden in the CND Christmas pudding. This is the amount we can save by scrapping Trident” Please buy some to support SCND financially £4 for 10 for pick up and at our stalls £5 for 10 including posting and packing
Order online

4. December Newsletter from the Peace and Justice Centre; http://peaceandjustice.org.uk

5. The latest issue of nuClear News is now available for downloading at http://www.no2nuclearpower.org.uk/nuclearnews/NuClearNewsNo80.pdf

and latest issue of Drone Campaign news:  https://dronecampaignnetwork.wordpress.com
 

6. At a timely and important seminar in Oxford recently, ICAN partner organisation NFLA (Nuclear Free Local Authorities) highlighted some very worrying shortcomings in safety at nuclear defence installations and on convoy routes. Sean Morris of NFLA said, “Such concerns alarm us as the announcement of the Government’s Strategic Defence and Security Review said virtually nothing about improving defence nuclear safety”.

7. On 27th February 2016, CND is holding a national demonstration to Stop Trident. Help us raise the £35,000 urgently needed, donate today.
This is the most important time for the campaign in a generation. We are just months away from a parliamentary vote on Trident replacement. This is our chance to Stop Trident.
To win, we need to show government and parliament just how many of us want Trident stopped and any replacement cancelled.
CND is bringing the country together on February 27th for a national demonstration to Stop Trident. We need your help to make it as big as it can be. Please donate to help us make this an event that goes down in history. Will you help? Contact CND at campaigns@cnduk.org or 020 7700 2393 to get more information and register to come along.CND is also fundraising.
Women against War Walkabout: 12th December at Aldermaston
Commemorating ‘Embrace the Base’ and protesting against war and nuclear weapons. There is also a London Demo toStop the Bombing of Syria
8. Gabriel Carlyle and Emily Johns are offering to present their 10 poster exhibition and booklet ‘The World is my Country’ in Glasgow on Wednesday 24th February.

9. December 4 2005, Swedish Annie Borjesson was found dead on the shore in Prestwick, Scotland. http://www.thenational.scot/news/lawyer-backs-calls-for-womans-2005-death-to-be-re-investigated.11112

 

Gather at the East End of Princes Street in Edinburgh at 5pm tonight (Thursday 3rd) to say ‪#‎StoptheBombing‬. As we feared the UK bombing in Syria started almost immediately. Bring placards and banners.
Glasgow gather at the same time at the Buchanan Street Steps – look out for similar events in other towns and cities and if there’s nothing organise it yourself. Message us with details and we’ll share as widely as we can.

Two events on Wednesday 2nd December when it is expected that there will be a vote at Westminster on Syria

Scottish Parliament – Don’t Bomb Syria – Build Peace Not War: assemble midday to stand with MSPs to say no to bombing.

Wellington Statue – East End Of Princes Street, 5pm – 7pm Vigil Don’t Bomb Syria

 

1. These are dangerous times and it looks likely that there will be a House of Commons vote on Syria early next week.
Don’t Bomb SyriaEdinburgh Rally between 5pm and 7pm on Monday 30th November at the East End of Princes Street. Bring candles, torches, placards and banners.
Contact your MP – in particular ask SNP MPs to adhere to the policy passed at their conference on not bombing Syria
Use the 2-minute lobby tool http://bit.ly/1T4T6Uw to tell your MP Don’t Bomb Syria. LOBBY YOUR MP

2. This Saturday (28th) we will be at Scotland’s Climate March with our Scrap Trident Replacement fund Climate Jobs banner. Meet with us 12noon at the meadows. There is also an STUC March in Glasgow: Refugees Welcome to Scotland Assemble: 10:30am Glasgow Green
March Off: 11am

3. Public Meeting After the Paris killings: NO TO RACISM; NO TO WARWednesday 25 November Friends Meeting House 7 Victoria Terrace Edinburgh
EH1 2JL 7.30pm Organised by: Stand up to Racism, Scotland Against Criminalising Communities, Edinburgh Stop the War

4. The UK government has announced a further hike in the cost of replacing Trident in its Strategic Defence and Security Review published today.
The cost of replacing the UK’s Trident nuclear weapons submarines is set to rise to £41 billion. The government previously stated four new submarines would cost £25 billion.
The new figure comes after the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee reported last month that Trident replacement could rise to £167 billion when maintenance of the system is costed in.
CND is calling a major national demonstration to Stop Trident, Britain’s nuclear weapons system.
Stop Trident Demo: 27th February 2016
and Stop Trident Days of Action: Saturday, 6th February
Constituency Lobby: Friday & Saturday, 22-23rd January
Invite Bruce Kent to your Stop Trident event!
Check the CND website for updates! The Stop Trident Days of Action and Constituency Lobby are up on the website, where you can register to meet with your MP at the Constituency Lobby, find out where coaches are coming from, and get lots more information. You can also find out which other organisations are supporting the demo so you can link up with them for local actions and events. Just check the website
Join the Thunderclap! Help raise the awareness of the Stop Trident Days of Action and Demonstration by joining the Thunderclap – a mass mobilisation of people on the internet – all you need is Facebook, Twitter or Tumblr! Check the CND website for details
#StopTrident is the hashtag to use for the demo and related events
Just a reminder: if you would like a local media pack to promote your days of action, events and coaches to the demo, please contact pressoffice@cnduk.org.
Leafletting! Let us know if you need more postcards for leafletting in your area. There’ll be a lot of it going on around the country – please help in spreading the word to make sure everywhere is covered.

5. Drone Campaign Network’s monthly email
website here.

6. Edinburgh CND Benefit night on Tuesday 221st June 2016 at The Stand here in Edinburgh (watch this space

7. Battle of the Somme centenary to be marked by UK vigils
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34868249

There will be a Don’t Bank on the Bomb photo / stunt 10am Tuesday outside the RBS Registered office on the East side of St Andrews Square. It would be great to have a small crowd there to stand with the banner. Essentially we have written to RBS requesting a meeting re our concerns about their investments so this will be the start of campaigning here in Scotland on this issue.

and: Leafleting outside Spokes meeting in the evening.

Reminders about up and coming meetings:

1. Scrap Trident Skillshare: Saturday 14 November, 10.00 am – 4.30 pm St Thomas of Aquins RC High School, 2-20 Chalmers St, Edinburgh EH3 9ES
A day of lively and interactive workshops to share knowledge about Trident nuclear weapons and the grassroots campaigns working to scrap them. All welcome. Lunch provided. Book Your Place Now.                         +++There will also be leafleting 1230 at West End Princes Street.
2. Peace is Possible: That’s the theme for Radical Voices Sunday evening, 15 November, at the Constitution Bar, Constitution Street, Leith. All welcome to bring a song, poem or story, or just interest and enthusiasm.
PLEASE NOTE that we’ll be starting at the earlier time of 6 pm. And do pass along the attached flyer to anyone who might be interested in coming.
3. Launch of the Don’t Bank on the Bomb Campaign: Monday 16 November, 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, Nicholson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX
Speakers: Wilbert van der Zeijden, Pax (Netherlands). Rebecca Sharkey ICANUK. Richard Dyer, MD, Medact.
Phil Lucas, CAAT. Speaker from Edinburgh University People & Planet. Chair: Brian Larkin, Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre. Please Book a place here so we have an idea of numbers for catering. Tea and cake provided. At the meeting on 10th November it was areed to draft a letter to be submitted to RBS and the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. Next meeting 9th December.
Other news:
1. Please do encourage people to use CAATs e-action to email MSPs about their pensions: http://act.foe-scotland.org.uk/lobby/63

2. nuClear News No.79, November 2015 is now available for downloading here: http://www.no2nuclearpower.org.uk/nuclearnews/NuClearNewsNo79.pdf

3. News from CND (UK): The Chief of the UK Defence Staff criticised Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s refusal to launch a nuclear strike, amidst the growing debate on Trident replacement. CND is joining calls for the Defence Secretary to take action against this political intervention, as – in our democracy – the military is required to be politically neutral.
General Sir Nicholas Houghton’s comments are the latest example of the flagrant disregard for due process regarding the UK’s nuclear weapons system; just weeks after the Prime Minister David Cameron’s arrogant assertion, ahead of a Parliamentary vote, that the government will order four new Trident submarines.
CND needs your help to challenge these attempts by the political establishment to bypass democratic channels and pre-empt the debate. Right now, they’re organising meetings across the UK to give the people a voice in the debate on whether Britain should have nuclear weapons or not. And on February 27th, there will be a huge national protest in London to demonstrate the massive opposition to Trident replacement. Following the lobby on the 4th there will be a Constituency lobby on 22-23 January to keep up the dialogue and pressure for an anti-Trident vote.
Saturday, 6th February
In the run up to 27th February, we’re planning Stop Trident days of action. Please use these opportunities to raise awareness and mobilise for the big demo! Organise a street stall, public meeting, film night or stunt on these days – or at other times if these dates don’t work for you. If you need speakers or help with any planning, don’t hesitate to contact me at campaigns@cnduk.org.
Please book coaches to the demo! I’m pleased to report that there are already coaches coming from Norwich, Bath, Exeter, Northampton and Edinburgh. Let me know the details of your coaches and I’ll promote it on the CND website. Also, if you would like a local media pack to promote your days of action and coaches to the demo, please contact pressoffice@cnduk.org. You can also join CNDs letter writing media activists
4. Tuesday, 17 November, commemoration of the 1915 rent strikes and the march through Glasgow on 17 November 1915 that led to the Rent Restriction Act freezing rents for the duration of the war (see earlier post)

Free this afternoon (8th) 4pm? Why not come have some fun at an free interactive Cooperative Games workshop with Elena Rodriguez from Educacion en la Nonviolencia in Madrid. Leith Community 12A Newkirkgate EH6 6AD 

On Monday 2nd November EdinburghCND had a meeting to discuss the issue of the Nuclear Convoys that regularly use Scotland’s roads. If you are not familiar with it: here is the link:
DEADLY CARGO View on vimeo.com Preview by YahooWe are trying to put together a list of people who may be available to oppose these convoys. If you can consider being on such a list, please email edinburghcnd@yahoo.com.
We would also like to get this video seen as widely as possible, so please share to Facebook, Twitter etc. You can also learn more at the Edinburgh Skillshare on 14th November (see below)

Don’t Bomb Syria
It’s likely that there will be a vote at Westminster in the near future to sanction Britain joining the US, Russia, Turkey and other countries in bombing Syria. More bombs are not the answer to the Syrian crisis.
Two things you can do:
1. Please contact your MP to make your opposition to more bombing clear. You can use the online tool on the Stop the War website to do this.
http://stopwar.org.uk/…/stop-the-bombing-of-syria-now-lobby…
2.Labour’s opposition is crucial but the indications are that many Labour MPs may vote with the Tories. Please make your views clear to Ian Murray MP either through the use of the online tool or by ringing 0131 662 4520 or emailing ian@ianmurraymp.co.uk If you live in Edinburgh South lobby Ian at his Minto Street surgery 9am 2 November

The latest Drones Campaign Newsletter is available. Each month, they send an email containing the latest information, campaign updates and links to resources to help you campaign on the growing use of armed drones.
To receive the monthly email newsletter, sign up via website here.

The Peace and Justice Centre have moved temporarily to share a small office between Edinburgh Interfaith Association and the One World Shop on the lower level of City of Edinburgh Methodist Church (Nicolson Square)
To find us look for the One World Shop entrance down the stair at the front of the building. We are just to the right of that. We will continue to be open from Tuesdays – Saturdays 10am – 4pm. The latest P and J newsletter is available http://peaceandjustice.org.uk

The Annual Conference of the Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament will take place on Saturday 7 November 2015 in St Columba’s by the Castle Church, 14 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW. (map) Registration from 10.30 am. Meeting starts 11 am. Close 4 pm. Speakers Brendan O’Hara MP Brendan is the Defence spokesperson of the Scottish National Party and MP for the Argyll and Bute constituency which includes Faslane. (biography) Thomas Nash
Thomas is the Director of Article 36. He has played a significant role in the latest international move to ban nuclear weapons. His particular expertise is in how the experience of prohibiting land mines and cluster munitions can be applied to eliminating nuclear weapons. He has worked for the New Zealand and Canadian foreign ministries and as Coordinator of the Cluster Munitions Coalition.

CND has welcomed Shaker Aamer’s release from Guantanamo Bay and has renewed calls to finally close down the infamous prison.
After 13 years of detention and torture, without being charged or put on trial, the British government today confirmed that Shaker is on his way home to his family in the UK.

The Scottish Peace Network is organising a vigil to protest the glorification of war inherent in the official Remembrance Day ceremonies. We will be gathering at 10:30 on Sunday, November 8, at parliament square along the royal mile in Edinburgh. Shortly afterward, a march organised by British Legion will pass by on the way to a wreath laying ceremony attended by various dignitaries. Everyone welcome to our peaceful protest. We will have a banner and placards but you are welcome to bring your own. We will be distributing a flyer.

Edinburgh World Justice Festival review, planning meeting and AGM 7.30 Wednesday 4 November
City of Edinburgh Methodist Church halls, 25 Nicolson Square, EH8 9BX Edinburgh
https://www.facebook.com/ events/149962378689207/

The second Big Scrap Trident Skillshare is on Nov 14th in Edinburgh please book a ticket now. It’s from 10am – 4.30pm at St Thomas Aquins School, 2-20 Chalmers St, EH3 9ES
We will again be looking at the convoys that transport Trident warheads on our roads and how we can use the global push to ban nuclear weapons to support our work here in Scotland. Learn about ways to engage with your elected reps and the new campaign against investment in nuclear weapons companies. Explore the knotty issue of jobs at Faslane and hear about experiences of nonviolent direct action and faith based resistance. Practical workshops on how to present the arguments to the public and how to get your message seen will set you up to go out and decare loud and strong SCRAP TRIDENT! (and there will be home made cake again!!) For more information see here Book a free place at the skillshares here Share it on Facebook

Don’t Bank on the Bomb Campaign Launch– 7 – 9 pm. 16 November City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square EH8 9BX Companies that manufacture nuclear weapons depend on banks and financial institutions investments. RBS is the largest investor in nuclear weapons in the UK. Many pension funds, including those of our public institutions, also invest in them. Anyone with a bank account or a pension may be tangled up in this web. But that also gives us the power to demand divestment. Find out how to get involved and help remove support from companies that profit from nuclear madness.  Book place at dontbankonthebombscotlandlaunch.eventbrite.co.uk  or call EP&JC on 07541 023022

The Scottish Parliament has just adopted a strong position against Trident renewal with 96 MSPs supporting the motion and only 17 voting against. There was a clear attempt during the debate for MSPs to put their opposition to Trident first and party politics second.

CND welcomed the decision taken by Scottish Labour  to oppose the replacement of Trident, the UK’s nuclear weapons system. Kate Hudson, CND general secretary, said: “Scottish Labour’s decision to oppose Trident replacement is another nail in the coffin of the UK’s nuclear weapons system. This decision means that 75% of people in Scotland voted for parties which oppose the nuclear weapons system hosted at Faslane and Coulport.” A new report from Reuters showed that the true cost of renewing Trident will be far higher than the huge sums already mentioned. Labour CND held a fringe meeting on Friday evening at the Labour Party Conference. During the day on Friday was leafleting to publicise this meeting and to attempt to influence the vote on holding a debate with further leafleting and lobbying on Saturday to encourage delegates to vote against Trident.

Please sign the petition to the UK government started by the Tweeddale Peace Group:
Decommission and remove Trident weapon systems from the UK.
We call on the Westminster government, in compliance with international law, to implement the complete decommissioning and removal of all nuclear weapon systems from UK soil and waters.
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/110665
YEELIRRIE UPDATE Right now the world’s largest uranium company – Cameco of Canada – is seeking the State government’s all clear to mine WA’s biggest uranium deposit at Yeelirrie in the northern Goldfields. You can help by letting the EPA know that uranium mining is unnecessary, unsafe and unwelcome.[]

CAAT Edinburgh local meeting on Monday 9th November, 7-8:45 pm at the Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh. An article about the new local campaign:https://www.commonspace.scot/articles/2836/andrew-smith-and-mark-bitel-disarming-the-scottish-parliament.  They are seeking a Voluntary Development Worker to work with the lcoal campaign for about 2 hours per week. A small honorarium and expenses are offered.

NEWS:

There is an online story about union positioning ahead of Scottish Labour conference:http://www.glasgowsouthandeastwoodextra.co.uk/news/scottish-headlines/unions-set-for-trident-battle-at-scottish-labour-conference-1-3928450  Labour CND are holding a fringe meeting on Friday evening. During the day on Friday there will be leafleting to publicise this meeting and to attempt to influence the vote on holding a debate. If there is going to be a debate, then there will be further leafleting and lobbying on Saturday to encourage delegates to vote against Trident.

A new report from Reuters shows that the true cost of renewing Trident will be far higher than the huge sums already mentioned. The new estimate is £167 billion. The figure comes from Crispin Blunt MP, based on information from Defence Minister Philip Dunne, taking account of current inflation forecasts. Blunt said “My office calculation based on an in-service date of 2028 and a missile extension until 2060 .. the total cost is 167 billion pounds” http://reut.rs/1Gqt6kS The news comes amid speculation that the Scottish Labour Party conference is likely to discuss Trident in Perth on Sunday 1 November.
CND has condemned a UK-China deal that will see nuclear power stations built at Hinkley Point in Somerset, Sizewell in Suffolk, and Bradwell in Essex. Nuclear power is a dangerous and expensive energy source, and is not a sustainable solution to our energy needs.
Today’s announcement comes after a 2014 European Commission investigation that looked into state subsidies of nuclear power. Despite state aid being illegal under EU law, the commission gave the Hinkley Point C project the go-ahead.
CND says thank you to everyone who attended the AGM and scrapping Trident conference on 17thand 18th October. We were pleased to welcome speakers from across the political, legal and campaigning spectrum to strategise together to scrap Trident. I hope you’ll agree that it was a most inspirational and energised two days! And it was great to welcome Jeremy Corbyn MP to his new role as vice-president!
Take a look at the photos from the event on Facebook and keep an eye on the CND website for a full conference write-up. It’ll be posted soon.

MEETINGS and EVENTS:

1. Edinburgh CND meeting Monday 2nd November 6pm at ACE 17 W Montgomery Pl, Edinburgh EH7 5HA. We will be discussing our contribution to the work of Nukewatch (who monitor Nuclear Transport) including showing a short film

2. Divestment, Debt, and Redeployment: Ending the Arms Trade in Scotland Saturday October 31st, 11.15 am – 3.30 pm
St. Cuthbert’s Parish Church, 5 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh, EH1 2EP
Tickets are free. Vegetarian lunch is included. You can book your tickets online today using eventbrite, or call Jubilee Scotland on 0131 225 4321to make a booking over the phone. A small number of tickets will be available on the door, but it’s best to book now to avoid disappointment! The conference, will gather speakers from across the social and environmental justice sector, as well as Scottish decision makers and MSPs, to explore: How can we make a shift from arms to renewables, and redeploy engineering skills from developing weapons to fighting climate change? How can we show solidarity with countries in the global south fighting against unfair debt, and prevent governments from burdening them with new debts to pay for expensive weapons systems? Includes Campaign launch for Edinburgh CAATs new campaign calling on the Scottish government to divest its pension investments from the rams trade. After their hugely successful campaign to end arms company sponsorship of the Edinburgh Science Festival, the group have set their sights even higher and teamed up with John Finnie MSP to fight for the Scottish Parliament’s pension fund to be ethically invested. (see also stop press at end)
3. Stop Trident lobby of Westminster Parliament 1pm, 4th November Book a meeting with your MP for a chat about your views on Trident on 4th November. You can make an appointment to meet them directly through the CND website: http://act.cnduk.org/lobby/CNDlobby.
4. Don’t Bank on the Bomb Working Group meeting is currently scheduled for 5pm on Tuesday 10 November. This will be planning for the Launch event, the Parliamentary Briefing and public actions around the launch. On the same day at 5:15pm People and Planet, have their first meeting with the Vice Principle this semester, in which he is looking for their suggestions on reinvestment. This is a key moment of their campaign, which they want to use to push for further divestment whilst also steering them towards ethical reinvestment of the funds. They are planning a demonstration outside the meeting on Edin Uni campus from 5pm on and are asking if we can support that and then have the DBOTB meeting at a University venue around 6.30/7pm

5. Edinburgh CND Leafleting: Saturday 14th 1230 at the East End of Princes Street

6. Don’t Bank on the Bomb Scotland Campaign Launch City of Edinburgh Methodist Church 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX 16th NovemberTea, coffee and cake from 7pm.
Speakers 7:15 – 8pm. Q&A / Discussion: 8 – 8:30pm. Planning for future campaigning 8:30 – 9pm.
Please Book a place on EventBrite so we have an idea of numbers for catering. http://dontbankonthebombscotlandlaunch.eventbrite.co.uk

7. Scrap Trident Skillshare: the Glasgow event was successful and the Edinburgh event will be on Saturday 14th November (see earlier posts). The next planning group is on Wednesday 28th October 6pm in the Peace and Justice Centre, St John’s Terrace (Princes St/Lothian Rd)

8.  Walk of Pride, Tuesday, 17 November starting 12 pm, Dewar’s statue Glasgow, proceeding to the City Chambers A tribute to radical Glasgow on the 100th anniversary of the rent strikes and mass march of 1915                      9. Stop Trident: Decision Time National demonstration 20th February 2016Edinburgh. NEW DATE OF 27th FEBRUARY 2016 FOR STOP TRIDENT: DECISION TIME DEMONSTRATION
Due to a double-booking at Trafalgar Square, the CND Stop Trident: Decision Time 2016 national demonstration will now be held on 27th February – one week later than initially planned. Full, updated details are available at the CND website. Please watch this space for any developments.

STOP PRESS Today (25th) Friends of the Earth Scotland somewhat quietly launched a campaign to divest the Scottish Parliament Pensions.  Story in the Sunday Herald: Estimated investments in 2015:
Fossil fuels total: £2,140,023
Arms total: £586,841
Tobacco total: £473,987
They have created an e-action which people can use to raise this with MSPs

Nuclear weapons are transported on our roads, including along the Edinburgh Bypass regularly. Deadly Cargo explains the chilling facts. Film screening followed by Q&A with Jane Tallents from Nukewatch. Showing tonight 21st at 7:30pm Beehive Inn Grassmarket 18 – 20 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU Edinburgh, United Kingdom. This will also be the subject of our own meeting on 2nd November

Stop the War Public Meeting as part of the Edinburgh World Justice Festival 730pm Monday 19 October
RESOURCE WARS Jonathan Neale from the Campaign Against Climate Change, author of ‘The American War: Vietnam 1960-1975‘ and ‘Stop Global Warming, Change the World’ will introduce the discussion. Jonathan will look at how struggles by the major imperialist powers for strategic control of resources fuel war and conflict and wreck lives and how we can build movements of resistance at the Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace

Divest Scotland Tour is visiting Edinburgh on 20th October, showcasing speakers from Colombian communities who are fighting against human rights abuses and environmental destruction by UK fossil fuel companies.
A Facebook event for the whole tour can be found here, please feel free to invite folk:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1498052343844870/

The CND Conference 2015 is set to be the most important anti-nuclear gathering of its kind in a generation. A number of factors have come together that make scrapping Trident, the UK nuclear weapons system, more likely than ever. Politicians, activists, international delegates, and trades unionists are set to gather in London this weekend for a major conference on nuclear disarmament. In what has been described by campaigners as the “most important event of its kind since the Cold War”, the conference will be the first public discussion on Trident since an anti-nuclear campaigner became leader of the Labour Party. Kate Hudson, CND general secretary, said: “Our conference comes at a crucial moment for all those working towards nuclear disarmament. “In the next few months we expect that MPs will decide on whether or not to replace Trident. It’s vitally important that we step up the UK-wide debate ahead of the Parliamentary vote. CND Conference 2015 Saturday 17th October CND AGM & Policy Conference Sunday 18th October Scrapping Trident Strategising for success in 2016 Arlington Conference Centre, 220 Arlington Road, Camden, London NW1                                 Join the CND mass lobby of Parliament
CND has called a lobby of Parliament to oppose Trident replacement. It will take place on Wednesday 4th November. In 2016 MPs are expected to vote on whether or not to spend £100 billion on Trident replacement, so it is vital that the views of their constituents are heard. This is the first opportunity for a mass lobby since the General Election and is a great chance for you to discuss Trident replacement with your MP.
Please enter Parliament through the Cromwell Green public gate and join us in room W1 off Westminster Hall between 13:00 and 17:00. You can sign in with us, have a briefing on the issues and give us feedback about what your MP says. Please click here to use our template letter to arrange a meeting with your MP.
If you have any questions about the lobby or want any advice please contact parliamentary@cnduk.org
Parliamentary meeting following the Lobby:
Nuclear exits: Countries have given up nuclear weapons, so can the UK!
5pm – 7pm

nuClear News No.78 October 2015 is now available for downloading:
http://www.no2nuclearpower.org.uk/nuclearnews/NuClearNewsNo78.pdf
People are booking up for the Big Scrap Trident Skillshares on Oct 24th and Nov 14th –  Help to make the events really useful and empowering. We are hoping to attract some of the people who started thinking about Trident during the IndyRef but as the emphasis is on sharing rather than being talked at we need all the Scrap Trident Coalition members to have at least a few folk along to share their experience. Please publicise the events on your e-lists, Facebook page etc and tell your friends about it.
The details are below or share on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/events/611428982294233/ or link to our website http://scraptrident.org/the-big-scrap-trident-skillshare/
Please book on eventbrite if you are coming yourself so that we have an idea of numbers and how many want some sandwiches provided. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-big-scrap-trident-skillshare-tickets-18786262216
also needed : volunteers on both days to help!

The BIG Scrap Trident Skillshare
A day of lively and interactive workshops to share knowledge about
Trident nuclear weapons and the grassroots campaigns working to scrap them.
GLASGOW – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24th
STUC 333 Woodlands Rd, Glasgow G3 6NG
EDINBURGH – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14th
St Thomas of Aquins RC High School, 2-20 Chalmers St, EH3 9ES
Timetable for both days: 10am:Registration. 10.15am:Introduction to Trident. 11am – 4pm:Workshops. Lunch at 1pm (Tea & Sandwiches available). 4pm:Conclusion 4.30pm:finish. Workshops:
Outlawing nuclear weapons worldwide
Nukewatch – tracking nuclear bombs on our roads
Political campaigning & divestment
Faith based activism & resistance
Presenting the arguments – how to talk about Trident
What about the jobs and alternative employment
Short intro to Nonviolent direct action.
Creative campaigning – Making your message visible

To book : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-big-scrap-trident-skillshare-tickets-18786262216

As Jeremy Corbyn becomes a Vice President of CND today as he maintains his refusal to ever press the nuclear button and the SNP and Scottish Greens continue to condemn spending £100billion on Trident Renewal at every opporunity. Meanwhile the Tories plough on regardless and senior government sources have said a House of Commons vote could take place before Christmas this year, or in January 2016 rather than the late spring date that was expected. Whether this is an attempt to stop Trident becoming a Holyrood election issue or to preempt a change of policy within the Labour party is not important. We must make our rejection of nuclear weapons so loud and persistent that it echoes all the way into the Westminster chamber.
Get informed and sharpen up your anti-Trident campaigning skills at our Big Scrap Trident Skillshare days. The first one is next Saturday (Oct 24th) in Glasgow at the STUC in Woodlands road from 10am – 4.30pm. On Nov 14th we repeat the skillshare in Edinburgh at St Thomas Aquins School.
We will be looking at the convoys that transport Trident warheads on our roads and how we can use the global push to ban nuclear weapons to support our work here in Scotland. Learn about ways to engage with your elected reps and the new campaign against investment in nuclear weapons companies. Explore the knotty issue of jobs at Faslane and hear about experiences of nonviolent direct action and faith based resistance. Practical workshops on how to present the arguments to the public and how to get your message seen will set you up to go out and decare loud and strong SCRAP TRIDENT!

Other Trident related events

Trident and Jobs at Glasgow West CND meeting Wed 21 Oct
Hear Arthur West explaining how Scrapping Trident could improve the jobs situation in Scotland by deploying much needed skills to more peaceful industries. To be held in the Library at Wellington Church.77 Southpark Avenue G12 8LE

Nukewatch at Edinburgh Greenpeace film night. Wed 21 Oct
The film Deadly Cargo will be shown followed by a discussion with Jane Tallents of Nukewatch who are asking us to keep an eye out for suspicious looking trucks carrying weapons of mass destruction on our motorways. Find out the chilling truth about these lethal convoys and how they are tracked by the people in the Nukewatch network.
7.30pm at the Beehive Inn (18/20 Grassmarket, Edinburgh). Facebook

Celebrating 20 Years Campaigning Against the Arms Trade in Scotland Sat 31 October
Speakers: Alison Johnstone MSP, John Finnie MSP, Kat Hobbs CAAT Campaigner.
How we can shift from arms to renewables & prevent new debt in developing countries from the arms trade. Plus Launch of new campaign calling on the Scottish government to divest its pension investments from the arms trade.
11:15am – 3:15pm. St Cuthbert’s Church. 5 Lothian Rd. Edinburgh. Facebook

Labour/union reception for Trident: http://johnwoodcock-labourclp6.nationbuilder.com/john_to_host_trident_renewal_reception_in_westminster

And finally: WikiLeaks Reveals How the US Aggressively Pursued Regime Change in Syria, Igniting a Bloodbath:
http://www.truth-out.org/progressivepicks/item/33180-wikileaks-reveals-how-the-us-aggressively-pursued-regime-change-in-syria-igniting-a-bloodbath

Entertainment at the EWJF: (ADDED 15th)

Fri 16th Oct Counting House, 38 West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DD
An evening of music for justice with Voces del Sur, Samba Sene and more. Get tickets on Eventbrite £8/£5

Sun18th Label jars not people: Disability Justice 6.30 – 9.30 Sun 18th The Constitution Bar, Constitution Street, Leith EH6 6RS Radical Voices Inspiring radical songs from talented local singers

We will be leafleting at the East End of Princes Street Saturday 10th. 1230 (before Women in Black)

EDINBURGH WORLD JUSTICE FESTIVAL continues:
The First of 3 Peace Meetings was held on Monday. The next 2 are:
Women Surviving Violence in conflict zones
19.30 Mon 12th
Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2JL
Scottish WILPF and Amnesty International
Learn about campaigns for sexual and reproductive rights in war zones
Resource Wars
7.30pm – 9.30pm Mon 19th
Quaker Meeting house, 7 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2JL
Edinburgh Stop the War Coalition
Jonathan Neale looks at how competition for strategic control of resources fuels war
Also opening Friday: Egalitarian Frames
Oct 9 Opening Night, 5.30pm – 8.30pm.
October 10th – 15th, 11am-5pm
Whitespace Gallery, 25 Howe Street, Edinburgh EH3 6TF
An exhibition which will bring to light issues which are in the spirit and theme of the festival.

OTHER NEWS:
1. CND has labelled David Cameron’s assertion that the government will order four new Trident submarines as “arrogant” and “bypassing the democratic process”.
The Prime Minister made the statement in a speech delivered to the Conservative Party conference today ahead of a parliamentary decision due in 2016 on whether Britain will replace its nuclear weapons system.
Kate Hudson, CND general secretary, said:
“This is complete arrogance on the part of the Prime Minister, bypassing the democratic process and showing contempt for parliament. The parliamentary vote, expected in 2016, is long-awaited – first promised by the Labour government in 2007 and reinforced by subsequent governments.”

2. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament joined a major anti-austerity demonstration on Sunday organised by the TUC and supported by campaign groups including the People’s Assembly Against Austerity. Commenting on the death of Denis Healey CND also reminded us that in 2008 Healey told the BBC that he would never have authorised the use of British nuclear weapons should he have been in a position to make the decision as Defence Secretary. Healey also said in 2006 “I don’t think we need nuclear weapons any longer”.
Come along to the Scrap Trident Skillshare days and sharpen up your anti- Trident campaigning. We are holding two skillshares of lively and interactive workshops to share knowledge about Trident nuclear weapons and the grassroots campaigns working to scrap them.

3. SCRAP TRIDENT EDINBURGH Skillshare – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14th St Thomas of Aquins RC High School, 2-20 Chalmers St, EH3 9ES
Timetable : 10am:Registration. 10.15am:Introduction to Trident.11am – 4pm:Workshops. Lunch at 1pm (Tea & Sandwiches available). 4pm:Conclusion 4.30pm:finish.
Workshops: Outlawing nuclear weapons worldwide
Nukewatch – tracking nuclear bombs on our roads
Political campaigning & divestment
Faith based activism & resistance
Presenting the arguments – how to talk about Trident
What about the jobs and alternative employment
Short intro to Nonviolent direct action.
Creative campaigning – Making your message visible
All are welcome, from complete beginners to life-long activists
Book a place at eventbrite The skillshares are free but donations to cover costs are welcome.
Lunch available.
http://scraptrident.org/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/ScrapTrident
Twitter account is @ScrapTrident #ScrapTrident #BairnsNotBombs

4. Scottish CND Annual Conference and AGM this year will be held at St Columba’s by the Castle in Edinburgh on 7th November 2015. Deadline for motions and nominations 10th October 2015. You can join SCND.
On 21st October there will be a meeting in Glasgow on Defence Diversification.
Representatives from SCND visited Holyrood last month to witness the First Minister. Nicola Sturgeon, signing the Global Parliamentary Appeal for a Nuclear Weapons Ban . This is an appeal form current parliamentarians for ‘all national governments to negotiate a treaty banning nuclear weapons and leading to their complete eradication’.
‘We call on the UK Prime Minister to respect the democratic will of the people of Scotland and cancel the £100 billion plan to renew Trident.’ This is the wording of a declaration launched in Glasgow on the 2nd Ocotber Look out for events around Scotland in the coming months to publicise the declaration.
Sandy and Cindy continue to tour Scotland and SCND have supported Jeremy Corbyn’s comments on Nuclear Strikes.
A new specialist section of Scottish CND has been set up for members of the Scottish Green Party. If you are a member of the Scottish Green Party and would like to be in Scottish Green CND please let us know by replying to this email. There is also an SNP CND group. They held a successful conference on 3 October. For information on SNP CND contact snpcndsecretary@gmail.com )

5. Edinburgh Community Solar Cooperative has now launched its share offer – giving everyone in Edinburgh (and beyond) the opportunity to buy shares in what will become the UK’s largest community-owned urban renewables project.
The co-op is looking to raise around £1.8 million for the project, which will fund the installation of solar panels on 25 public buildings across the capital.
Everyone who buys shares will become a co-owner of the scheme. Everyone living in Edinburgh, from young people to pensioners, as well as local businesses, are being encouraged to participate.
The majority of buildings – all owned by the City of Edinburgh Council – are schools, although community and leisure centres are all involved. For a full list please see the Edinburgh Community Solar Cooperative web site.

6. Scottish Stop the War have organised a meeting to coordinate activity on a range of pressing issues; details are
Scotland Stop the War – open meeting of the steering group. 7pm Tuesday 13 October at the Lebanese Centre / Ahl al Beit Society 25 Woodside Place, Glasgow G3 7QL

7. The Scottish Peace Network began planning for events around the imposition of conscription a century ago during 1914-18 War including having a peaceful presence at Parliament Square, on the Royal Mile next to St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh on Sunday 8th Nov during the main Scottish Remembrance Parade. Assemble at 10.30am to hold banners during the parade and ceremony. After the official ceremony we will laying a White Poppy wreath to remember all those who have died and suffered in wars and continue to do so. All welcome.

Reminder: The Edinburgh World Justice Festival runs  until the 19 October and includes Music, Film, Political Discussion and Exhibitions. Check out the full programme at http://www.ewjf.org.uk. or see previous news item. In particular note events on 3rd and 5th October. Changing our Unequal World conference and book fair 11.00 – 17.00 Sat 3rd Oct St. Thomas Aquin’s High School, Chalmers Street, Edinburgh EH3 9ES Discussion and debate on a fairer future. Austerity, Debt and Military Spending 19.30-21.30 Mon 5th Oct
Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2JL Edinburgh Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the Peace and Justice Centre. How can we stop governments prioritising military spending over people’s needs?

News:
1. Party Conferences: Liberal Democrats narrowly voted against a policy to scrap Trident at their Autumn Conference. Just under half of delegates voted for a motion that would cancel plans for Trident replacement and support decommissioning the UK’s existing nuclear weapons system. Instead the conference has voted to oppose like-for-like replacement and commission a working group to decide policy beyond that. Kate Hudson, CND general secretary, said: “Liberal Democrats missed a historic opportunity today to lead British politics on scrapping Trident – a crucial policy issue ahead of next year’s parliamentary vote.” CND issued a briefing and appeal for the Labour Party conference and also welcomed the possibility that Trident replacement would be debated at the annual Labour Party conference and expressed surprise and disappointment after the conference failed to include a debate on its agenda. Kate Hudson, CND general secretary, said: “Given the clear view of Labour’s leader in favour of this crucial debate, together with very strong grass roots anti-Trident sentiment, conference’s failure to debate Trident policy is a both a surprise and a huge disappointment.” CND later welcomed Jeremy Corbyn’s strong recommitment to nuclear disarmament, received with enormous applause, during his first leader’s speech to the Labour Party conference. The Labour leader also made clear that the issue would be fully and openly debated within the Party. CND is pushing very hard to build broad opposition to Trident replacement. As public opposition to Trident grows it is essential that political parties begin to reflect this change.
CND will be outside the Tory Party Conference on Sunday: Programme for the day:
11:30am: Scrap Trident bloc assembles at All Saints Park on Oxford Road 12:30pm: Opening rally
1:30pm: March through the city For information on transport to and from Manchester, check http://bit.ly/1M3OIzL

2. PICAT– A Public Interest Case Against Trident NEW CITIZEN CHALLENGE TO UK’S NUCLEAR WEAPONS
Campaigners aim to prosecute British state On 1st October campaigners will begin a new and ambitious project to institute a citizen’s prosecution of the Government and specifically the Secretary of State for Defence for breaching international law by its active deployment of the Trident nuclear weapon system.

3. Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre: Monthly Newsletter http://www.peaceandjustice.org.uk

4. Drone Campaign Network’s monthly email newsletter. Each month, they send an email containing the latest information, campaign updates and links to resources to help you campaign on the growing use of armed drones. To receive monthly email newsletter, sign up via our website here. Petition about use of Drones in Syria: You can sign the petition online here: http://www.change.org/p/stop-british-drone-targeted-killings

Other events:
1. WE ARE MANY Film Screening (if you missed it in Edinburgh) Hippodrome Bo’ness, 10 Hope Street, Bo’ness EH51 0AA
19:30 2nd October Tickets: £6.50 (£4.95 conc.) Box office: 01324 506850
Web link: http://www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/whats-on/events/event.aspx?eid=4417&did=2148

2. The Scottish Peace Network will be having a peaceful presence at Parliament Square, on the Royal Mile next to St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh on Sunday 8th Nov during the main Scottish Remembrance Parade. Assemble at 10.30am to hold banners during the parade and ceremony. After the official ceremony we will laying a White Poppy wreath to remember all those who have died and suffered in wars and continue to do so. All welcome.
In Glasgow: First World War Counter-Centenary Dewar’s statue, Buchanan Street, Glasgow4.30 pm, Tuesday, 17 November
White poppies will be available.

3. The Big Scrap Trident Skillshare: A day of lively and interactive workshops to share knowledge about Trident nuclear weapons and the grassroots campaigns working to scrap them.
EDINBURGH – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14th
St Thomas of Aquins RC High School, 2-20 Chalmers St, EH3 9ES

4.If you have not seen the film by Lin Li and would still like to watch it, there’s another opportunity to do so. Lin Li is going to have a solo exhibition in Edinburgh  this coming Saturday 3 October to 8 October, in Gayfield Creative Spaces (11 Gayfield Square, Edinburgh EH1 3NT) which is within walking distance from the bus and train stations. The focus of the exhibition is the film  and the screening will be at 6pm. For more information and free tickets for the screenings, please check out http://www.linli-art.com/page68.htm .

5. This year the Vanunu Campaign will be holding another vigil at the Israeli Embassy (in London), to mark his 61st birthday. This will be on Saturday, October 10th (three days before his actual birthday, October 13th) from noon to 2pm to once again call for Mordechai to at last be allowed to leave Israel. As well as placards and leaflets we will bring a birthday cake to share in celebration of Mordechai’s birthday.

6. CND Conference – 17th-18th October Arlington Conference Centre, 220 Arlington Road, Camden, London NW1 7HE Come and join the discussion on how Trident can be scrapped.
Register here: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/scrapping-trident-conference-strategising-for-success-in-2016-tickets-18648247410  Also: There is a Public Meeting in Parliament with Japanese delegation and hibakusha – 12th October
……and a message from Australia: Thanks so much to everyone who came and supported the Walkatjurra Walkabout this year..