STOP PRESS 9th MAY: note meetings on 9th May (Hiroshima Survivor), 10th May (change of time for Don’t Bank on Bomb meeting), Coming Together to Work for Peace in the Middle East (see 3 below) Wednesday 11 May. 7 – 9pm and meeting on 12th May Challenging Militarism Working Group (see 4b below)

1. Today is 1st May (May Day). Edinburgh CND supports the local May Day celebrations which start today with an event at 2pm in the Storey Telling centre: http://www.tracscotland.org/…/5172/james-connolly-from-edinburgh’s-cowgate-to-the-dublin-gpo

2. The annual May Day march assembles 11.30am at Johnston Terrace on Saturday 7th May and sets off at midday marching (join us behind our banner) to a rally at the Pleasance (with Penny Stone and stalls) https://www.facebook.com/events/1717615495148829/ and events here. Please Join us behind our banner on the march and on the peace table at the rally.

3. Tomorrow (2nd May) will be our monthly meeting 6pm in ACE 17 W Montgomery Pl, Edinburgh EH7 5HA. We will be discussing May Day, the Election, Nuclear Convoys and Our Benefit

4. THERE ARE STILL HUSTINGS TO ATTEND before the Election on 5th May. A list of Hustings can be found by clicking on events on the right of this page. Suggested Questions in previous posts.

5. And in June: Our benefit at The Stand: Benefit in Aid of Edinburgh CND at The Stand Edinburgh on Tuesday 21st June. Tickets cost £7 (£5 concs) and can be reserved through the Stand website, their box office on 0131-558 7272 or bought direct from Edinburgh CND on 0131-538 7298 or edinburghcnd.org or on the door. https://www.facebook.com/events/256460924690733/ and events here. Note there is now also possible to book through Eventbrite: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-benefit-night-for-edinburgh-cnd-tickets-24908790864

Other News:                                                                                                                                                     1. You can find more information about CNDs submission to the Labour Party Defence Review on their website: cnduk.org
The Liberal Democrats are opposed to like-for-like Trident replacement, but a policy commission is considering the party’s long-term approach to the issue. The review is currently taking evidence from invited groups, and CND will be giving evidence in the summer. It is expected that a final report will be made in Spring 2017
Also see website for t-shirts (especially health one)                                                                               2. Latest Trident Ploughshares newsletter is available

And events: 
1. Hiroshima Survivor in Edinburgh 4.30 pm Monday May 9th Quaker Meeting House 7 Victoria Terrace Edinburgh EH1 2JL (see previous news on this site for more information)

2. Don’t Bank on the Bomb meeting. Tuesday 10th 11am in the Peace and Justice Centre. Note change of time!

3. Coming Together to Work for Peace in the Middle East.
Wednesday 11 May. 7 – 9pm. Frank Romano, prof of law at Uni of Paris Ouest. Hosted by Dr Sara Trevelyan, with support from EIFA, Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality & Peace & Edinburgh Peace & Justice Centre. Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge. LIKE & Share the Facebook Event Here

4. (a)In the last few months Janet Fenton the current secretary of Scottish CND has visited Ireland and Japan . During those visits Janet spoke at a number of meetings and events. She also met peace activists and a range of people from civic society in those countries.
Janet has agreed to do a report back meeting on her visits and this will take place in the Scottish CND office in the Wellington Church 77 Southpark Avenue Glasgow G12 8 LE on Thursday May 12th at 7pm. This is an informal gathering for Janet to give her reflections and thoughts on these 2 visits. Anyone who is interested is very welcome to come along     4 (b) Edinburgh Challenging Militarism Working Group meeting is Thursday 12 May from 7 – 9pm. This will take place at the Peace and Justice Centre. 5 Upper Bow. EH1 2JN.Please invite others you think may be interested and bring ideas. This will follow the What Can Quakers do about Militarism? Workshop to explore issues around increasing militarisation. Facilitated by Sam Walton, Peace & Disarmament Programme Manager at Quaker Meeting House, Victoria Terrace. 10am -12noon. All are welcome to attend that meeting regardless of whether you are a Quaker.

5. Conscientious Objectors Day Sunday 15 May. 4 – 5pm. Foot of the Mound, Edinburgh.

6. Peace and Justice Centre meeting: a taster session hosted by Journey to Justice and RSA Scotland On: Monday May 16th, 2016, 9.30 am – 1pm, followed by a communal lunch – please bring your own At: Edinburgh Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, EH1 2JL (From 9.30 am – 1pm ) Please register via this Eventbrite link: http://bit.ly/1RTLEJf

7. Are you interested in what governments are talking about in preparation for the upcoming UN Open Ended Working Group on nuclear disarmament (May 2-13) and the Conference on Disarmament (May 16-July 1)?                                                                                           8. In Australia: 👣 Karlamalyi Walk 4thWalkatjurra Walkabout 2016 August 7th – September 7th 2016

STOP PRESS: 30 years on, we must learn the lessons of Chernobyl. 26th April marks the 30th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster. In recognition of that and the subsequent nuclear tragedy at Fukushima, CND has called on the government to abandon plans for a new generation of nuclear power stations in the UK.
Kate Hudson, CND general secretary, said: “30 years on from the world’s most serious nuclear disaster, we remember the thousands of lives lost and blighted by the impact of radiation, the homes and livelihoods abandoned and destroyed in Ukraine and other affected areas. Today we bear witness to the legacy of environmental destruction and continuing damaging health consequences that live on.

THERE ARE STILL  HUSTINGS TO ATTEND before the Election on 5th May.  A list of Hustings can be found by clicking on events on the right of this page. Suggested Questions in previous posts.

2 days after the election we will be at the  May Day celebration. The annual May Day march assembles 11.30am at Johnston Terrace on Saturday 7th May and sets off at midday marching (join us behind our banner) to a rally at the Pleasance (with Penny Stone and stalls) https://www.facebook.com/events/1717615495148829/ and events here.

And in June: Our benefit at The Stand: Benefit in Aid of Edinburgh CND at The Stand Edinburgh on Tuesday 21st June. Tickets cost £7 (£5 concs) and can be reserved through the Stand website, their box office on 0131-558 7272 or bought direct from Edinburgh CND on 0131-538 7298 or edinburghcnd.org or on the door. https://www.facebook.com/events/256460924690733/ and events here.

Note there is now also possible to book through Eventbrite:   http://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-benefit-night-for-edinburgh-cnd-tickets-24908790864

Other news:

1. Drones Campaign Monthly newsletter via http://dronecampaignnetwork.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f4b7a7e4e1dc9a526bdcef140&id=309f5a5dec&e=a4fa904f48

2. Peace and Justice Centre meeting: a taster session hosted by Journey to Justice and RSA Scotland On: Monday May 16th, 2016, 9.30 am – 1pm, followed by a communal lunch – please bring your own At: Edinburgh Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, EH1 2JL (From 9.30 am – 1pm ) Please register via this Eventbrite link: http://bit.ly/1RTLEJf
Other P and J sponsored events:
a).Don’t Bank on the Bomb Letter Writing 26 April. 2 – 4pm
Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre Drop in and write letters to Parliamentary candidates and financial institutions. We will provide the materials you need to call on prospective MSPs to commit to ending Scottish Parliament Pension Scheme investment in nuclear weapons and on banks to divest. b). Paper Cranes Workshop Saturdays usually 2 -4pm Edinburgh Peace & Justice Centre 5 Upper Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2JN The project aims to make 140,000 paper cranes in memory of those killed by the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs. c) International Conscientious Objectors Day Vigil with Protest in Harmony Sunday 15 May. 4 – 5pm. Footof the Mound, Edinburgh.
Next meeting of Edinburgh CAAT will be on 13 June 7-9pm in Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh.

Governments, disarmament experts, international organisations and civil society will meet in Geneva from May 2–13 for the second session of the United Nations Open open ended working group on Taking Forward Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament Negotiations(OEWG).
Join  for a free webinar on April 27 at 4pm Central Europe Time to discuss this new diplomatic effort in Geneva. Click here to register

NB  You can Post your questions or opinions on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #LetsTalkNukes. If you do that, your post will appear on the #LetsTalkNukes page.

 

 

1. Edinburgh CND is supporting the Anti Arms Trade Fair organized by CAAT
   Saturday 16 April, 11am – 3pm. Foot of the Mound by the Royal Scottish Academy
   (If construction work is on on the day – the East End of Prince’s Street).
   Let’s celebrate our resistance to the dealers of death…
   What moves can we make together to turn investment from arms to renewables, to switch the resources to public funding for health and education?
   Come along to find out the facts behind the dealers of death – the profiteers of the arms trade – big and small and in our midst.
   Find out more about global and UK government military spending, how the arms trade fuels conflict and contributes to the refugee crisis, UK involvement in bombing Syria & Yemen, and how you can get involved in changing all this.
   The Anti Arms Trade Fair is a chance to get the facts out there, to make new contacts and to share our networks.
   Let’s analyse, plan and be inspired by testimonials and speeches from individuals affected by the arms trade and organisations working on alternatives for military spending.
   Paper Cranes Workshop This day and all Saturdays 2 – 4pm.
   Edinburgh Peace & Justice Centre 5 Upper Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2JN The project aims to make 140,000 paper cranes in memory of those killed by the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs
   Meanwhile in London: Tens of thousands of people are getting ready to demonstrate on tomorrow’s People’s Assembly march for health, homes, jobs and education.
   Join the People not Trident bloc to demand an end to plans to replace Trident at a cost of over £100 billion. The money is clearly needed elsewhere, and our campaign needs to take advantage of this critical moment.
   Sign up to the Facebook event Gather 1pm, Sat 16th April on Gower Street London (look out for the CND banner). CND thanks all those who donated to this event.

2. Next meeting of Edinburgh Stop the War Monday 18 April
We meet 7.30pm at the Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace – hope to see you there

3. Peace Hustings Thursday 21 April. 7:30 – 9:15pm. Augustine United Church.41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1690475707893418/ – Please share and invite friends!Please come along with your questions about the role Scotland and MSPs can play in promoting international peace. Although defence is not a devolved issue, there is a lot we can do on a local level, for example to promote positive alternatives to the declining shipping industry.

THERE ARE MANY OTHER HUSTINGS TO ATTEND A list of Hustings can be found by clicking on events on the right of this page. Suggested Questions in previous post

NB Hustings list has been updated!

4. Don’t Bank on the Bomb Letter Writing 26 April. 2 – 4pm Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre Drop in and write letters to Parliamentary candidates and financial institutions. We will provide the materials you need to call on prospective MSPs to commit to ending Scottish Parliament Pension Scheme investment in nuclear weapons and on banks to divest.

5. The general public, as well as party members, are able to make submissions to the Labour Party Defence Review. Please use this opportunity to tell Emily Thornberry that you are opposed to Trident. Submissions can be made to defencereview@labour.org.uk The deadline is 30 April.
For help see British CND submission to Labour Defence Review and
Labour CND advice on making submissions to the review on their respective websites

6. Public meeting, Saturday 30 April
This is an Important public meeting on the Prevent legislation, which is being implemented in Scotland. 5pm at the Augustine Church on George 4th Bridge. Organised jointly with the Muslim Women’s Association of Edinburgh, SACC and UAF. Check out the FB event at https://www.facebook.com/events/1674489076164375/

7. May Day celebration (supported by Edinburgh CND). The annual May Day march assembles 11.30am at Johnston Terrace on Saturday 7th May and sets off at midday marching (join us behind our banner) to a rally at the Pleasance (with Penny Stone and stalls) https://www.facebook.com/events/1717615495148829/ and events here.
8. SETSUKO THURLOW, HIBAKUSHA THE GLOBAL NUCLEAR BAN INTRODUCTION FOR SCOTS TEENAGERS 4.30 pm Monday May 9th Quaker Meeting House 7 Victoria Terrace Edinburgh EH1 2JL (see previous news on this site for more information)

9. Edinburgh World Justice Festival ‘get involved’ meeting  evening 10th May in the Peace and Justice Centre

10. International Conscientious Objectors Day Vigil  Sunday 15 May. 4 – 5pm. Foot of the Mound, Edinburgh.

11. The next meeting of the Scottish Peace Network is scheduled for 2pm on Tuesday 17 May. In the electron club on the first floor of the Centre for Contemporary Arts on Sauchiehall Street in the Glasgow city centre.  The SPN also have a monthly vigil in Glasgow. Next one: Wednesday, April 27, from 5 to 6pm at Dewar’s statue on Buchanan Street.

12. Our benefit at The Stand: Benefit in Aid of Edinburgh CND at The Stand Edinburgh on Tuesday 21st June.  Tickets cost £7 (£5 concs) and can be reserved through the Stand website, their box office on 0131-558 7272 or bought direct from Edinburgh CND on 0131-538 7298 or edinburghcnd.org or on the door. https://www.facebook.com/events/256460924690733/ and events here.

13. UN Open Ended Working Group: Thanks to the initiative of campaigner Rachel Lever there are now two petitions up and running which urge the UK to take an active and constructive part at the UN Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) in Geneva. Please sign and share both petitions widely! https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/Britains_Party_leaders_Take_an_active_and_constructive_part_in_UN_nuclear_disarmament_talks/?cpwdskb
https://www.change.org/p/british-party-leaders-uk-government-take-part-in-un-nuclear-ban-talks-in-may-in-geneva
Are you coming to Geneva in May for the UN Open Ended Working Group? If so, please let us know. Below is some useful information about the May sessions.
Main program – formal plenary sessions
The formal plenary sessions will be held from May 2-4 and from May 9-13. They will include sessions on each of the topics in the OEWG mandate. http://www.baselpeaceoffice.org/sites/default/files/imce/oewg/2016/program_for_plenary_sessions_oewg_may_2-13.pdf for the program.
Please contact unfold zero at info@unfoldzero.org if you have any questions about the OEWG and how to participate.

EVENTS
1. Leafleting with Edinburgh CND: This Saturday 1230 East End Princes Street (all welcome) https://www.facebook.com/EdinburghCND/
2. Hustings ( go and ask your potential MSPs about their views on Trident). Please go along to any you can: Trident questions on the waste of money are always relevant! There are suggested questions in the previous post on this site. A list of Hustings can be found by clicking on events on the right of this page. In particular we invite people to the Peace and Justice Centre Hustings on the 21st https://www.facebook.com/events/1690475707893418/ STOP PRESS 13th APRIL hustings in Restalrig Community Centre and 14th April Broughton St Mary’s (Edinburgh North and Leith)
3. Global Day of Action Against Military Spending in Edinburgh Saturday 16th April, 11am – 3pm On the Foot of the Mound (Or if the current construction work is still on on the day, the East End of Prince’s Street)
Join Groups working on military spending related agendas.
4.May Day celebration (supported by Edinburgh CND). The annual May Day march assembles 11.30am at Johnston Terrace on Saturday 7th May and sets off at midday marching (join us behind our banner) to a rally at the Pleasance (with Penny Stone and stalls) https://www.facebook.com/events/1717615495148829/ and events here.
5. Our benefit at The Stand: Benefit in Aid of Edinburgh CND at The Stand Edinburgh on Tuesday 21st June. This is a busy and crucial year for our campaign-all the more reason to lighten up with laughter while raising money and reaching out to a new audience. Can you help make this night a winner by selling tickets to friends and families, by helping run the event and donating raffle prizes? Tickets cost £7 (£5 concs) and can be reserved through the Stand website, their box office on 0131-558 7272 or bought direct from Edinburgh CND on 0131-538 7298 or edinburghcnd.org or on the door. As well as the money from ticket sales we hope to run a raffle to raise even more cash. This means top quality prizes donated by you! We’ve already been offered red wine by one generous supporter https://www.facebook.com/events/256460924690733/ and events here.

NEWS FROM organisations:
1. April 2016 edition of CND’s Campaign magazine with guest articles from Chair of Parliamentary CND, Caroline Lucas MP and the General Secretary of the Public and Commerciall Services Union, Mark Serwotka. http://cnduk.org/cnd-media/campaign-magazine
2. Peace and Justice News: http://peaceandjustice.org.uk
3. nuClear News No.84 April 2016 is now available for downloading here http://www.no2nuclearpower.org.uk/nuclearnews/NuClearNewsNo84.pdf
4. Footprints for Peace (Australia) latest: http://www.walkingforcountry.com.au
5. Since his election as leader of the Labour Party, CND Vice-President Jeremy Corbyn has challenged the consensus on Trident replacement which had developed at the top of Britain’s two main parties. The policy review is now underway, led by Shadow Defence Secretary Emily Thornberry, and you don’t have to be a member of the Labour Party to make your views heard. All of us have an opportunity to influence Labour’s policy on nuclear weapons. http://cnduk.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50a46ed98fb9032bd46d11880&id=f5fc7ac7e6&e=96dcf14be7

6.We received this message from London. Setsuko will also be visiting Edinburgh and will be with us on 9th May. More info to follow.

Religions for Peace in partnership with Quaker Peace and Social Justice is organising this event with Setsuko Thurlow, May 12 at 6.00pm at Friends House in London.QUAKERS IN BRITAIN AND RELIGIONS FOR PEACE UK A Noiseless Flash – a rare chance to hear first hand the testimony of Hiroshima survivor Setsuko Thurlow FRIENDS HOUSE 173-177 EUSTON ROAD LONDON NW1 2BJ THURSDAY MAY 12 2016 6.00 PM (NO CHARGE)
Setsuko Thurlow, a survivor of Hiroshima, will be speaking in London on
Thursday May 12, 2016 at Friends House. She will talk about how she has been inspired by the humanitarian initiative reframing the issue of nuclear weapons from deterrence to their humanitarian consequences and the strong push this gives a nuclear Ban Treaty. Setsuko says, “How much longer can we allow the Nuclear Weapon States to
wield this threat to all life on earth? The time has come for action to establish a
legally binding framework to ban nuclear weapons as a first step in their total
abolition.” Setsuko was a 13 year-old student on August 6th 1945, working for the military
in Hiroshima to decode secret messages. At 8:15 that morning she recalls
being given a pep-talk by an Army General when a bluish white flash filled the
room, and she remembers the sensation of floating in the air. She married James Thurlow in the 1950s and settled in Canada where she dedicated her life to working for nuclear disarmament. She has been recognised by the Japanese Foreign Ministry, named Peace Ambassador by Hiroshima City and is the recipient of the Order of Canada Medal, the highest honor for Canadian civilians. In 2015, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and in 2016 she was named Arms Control Person of the Year.

“The truth is, we all live with the daily threat of nuclear weapons. In every silo,
on every submarine, in the bomb bays of airplanes, every second of every day,
nuclear weapons, thousands on high alert, are poised for deployment
threatening everyone we love and everything we hold dear.”

 

April Edinburgh CND meeting is on Monday 4th April 6pm in ACE 17 W Montgomery Pl, Edinburgh EH7 5HA

There is much to discuss (including the events below):

Click on events to see details of events including: Our benefit at The Stand,                         May Day celebration and                                                                                                                           Dates of hustings ( go and ask your potential MSPs about their views on Trident). Please go along to any you can: Trident questions on the waste of money are always relevant!

Please help us to keep the list up-to-date by e-mailing new information on Hustings to edinburghcnd@yahoo.com and we will add them to our list.

Here are a few suggestions for questions:
1. If elected will you join the Parliamentarian Network for Nuclear Disarmament (PNND: http://www.pnnd.org/) and sign ICAN’s Parliamentary Appeal? ( http://www.icanw.org/projects/appeal/) The idea here is to give a clear and concrete expression to the Scottish desire to stand aside from the nuclear weapon states (particularly the UK) and show solidarity with the majority world which favour a global ban. It ties in also with continuing hopes for independence and national status at the UN.
2. Will you commit to working in collaboration with other parties and individuals in other parties on the common platform of disarmament so that the Parliament’s rejection of nuclear weapons is not weakened by inter-party strife?
3. Will you push for the legality of Trident to be properly examined within Scots Law?
4. Will you do what you can to ensure that the Scottish Government takes action on emergency planning in relation to Trident weapon convoys through Scotland?                       5. Hustings Questions from Don’t Bank on the Bomb Q.1 SNP / Labour / Green Party is against Trident renewal but the Scottish Parliamentary Pension Scheme (administered by Fund Managers Baillie Gifford) have invested £244,517 in Rolls Royce which manufactures the propulsion system, (reactors) for Trident submarines. Would you support divestment of the SPPS from companies such as Rolls Royce that manufacture components for Trident and other nuclear weapons systems?
Q.2 With the global movement for a ban on nuclear weapons now supported by 123 countries production, possession and deployment of nuclear weapons is becoming increasingly stigmatized internationally & will sooner or later be illegal. This means investments in nuclear weapons is increasingly a financial risk. Would you agree that it would therefore be prudent for the Scottish Parliamentary Pension Scheme to divest from companies producing nuclear weapons.

Other News:

1. Global Day of Action Against Military Spending.
   The purpose is to raise awareness on military spending issues and to make the event more visible and more attractive to the public by having several groups working together, thus raising awareness more effectively, which would benefit all groups.
   All groups could have information stands and leaflets to give out, although it would be great to also have a common leaflet to give out on the day. We have asked Rhythms of Resistance and others if they could come and play some music on the day, and there may be some speakers too. If you have any other ideas for the programme, fire away! Nothing is set in stone yet, and collaboration is key to make it a nice event.
   When: Saturday 16th April, 11am – 3pm
   Where: On the Foot of the Mound (Or if the current construction work is still on on the day, the East End of Prince’s Street)
   Who: Groups working on military spending related agendas, hopefully you
2. Trident Ploughshares: SEE NUCLEAR WEAPONS . .
   they’re vile and stupid and costly. We want to do our bit for global disarmament. So we told them about it, again and again. We blockaded Faslane and took to the streets. We elected an anti-Trident Scottish Parliament. We elected anti-Trident MPs in May last year and shook a saltire at the big demo on 27th February this year . AND THEY STILL HAVEN’T PAID US ANY ATTENTION so now we are heading for Berkshire for 7th June for the Scottish Day in the Month of Peaceful Direct Action against the nuclear weapon assembly plant at Burghfield where people from all over the UK and beyond will be doing their best to put A GENTLE SPANNER IN THE WORKS. People will be doing different and imaginative things to disrupt the ongoing work of the plant. Some of these things could lead to arrest but there are also support tasks to be done and people doing these will not be risking confrontation with the law. JOIN US IF YOU CAN To give real support to peace folk down south (including our MPs) who have to face a much more apathetic and even hostile response compared to Scotland To show our commitment to ridding, not just Scotland, but the UK and the world of nukes, To signal to the UK government that resistance to Trident will continue, whatever Westminster decides. There will be shared transport to and from the area and accommodation when we get there. We are also holding a special prep meeting on 19th APRIL in Edinburgh from 1.30 to 3 pm in the Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre, 5 Upper Bow, Edinburgh, EH1 2JN, close to the castle. FOR MORE INFO scotland@tridentploughshares.org                                                                                                    3. A Trident Warhead convoy that arrived in Scotland on 10th March was stopped briefly in Balloch. If you see this convoy on the road let Nukewatch know on 0345 4588 365. Videos and more information from Nukewatch or see the briefing from Scottish CND                                                                                                                                          And for anyone who couldn’t get to the big Stop Trident demo in London in February you can still catch a bit of the action on Live Stream (see earlier post).                            4.The President of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), Christine Blower, this week called for an end to Trident as she addressed her trade union’s annual conference. The NUT is just one of many organisations which has supported CND’s People not Trident campaign, agreeing with us that the government’s cuts aren’t based on the needs of the economy, but on politics. It is unacceptable that the government can spend well over £100 billion on a weapon of mass destruction, but it can’t find the money to pay teachers and nurses a decent wage, build enough homes or invest in safe and secure energy sources. Join CND as we march against Trident and in favour of health, homes, jobs and education in London on Saturday, April 16th. (N.B. See last news for job in London Office)                                                                                                     5. Link to the Drones campaign in Germany.  http://www.ramstein-kampagne.eu/appeal/  On the link it asks you to sign the petition and share on fb.          6. Scottish Parliament Elections  Women’s Voices The SWC is holding a women’s voices hustings event on Saturday 9th April. Women will be given the opportunity to discuss key issues, concerns and priorities not only with other women, but with representatives from Scotland’s main political parties. Those attending will participate in a Question and Answer session with those standing for election to the Scottish Parliament.  Date: Saturday 9th April Venue: Hilton Glasgow Grosvenor, 1-9 Grosvenor Terrace, Glasgow G12 0TA Timings: 10am – 1.30pm

Please click on events to see details of our benefit at The Stand, May Day celebration and dates of hustings ( go and ask your potential MSPs about their views on Trident): 

Note 29th May:  Please go along to any you can: Trident questions on the waste of money are always relevant! Please help us to keep the list up-to-date by e-mailing new information to edinburghcnd@yahoo.com.

Here are a few suggestions for questions:
1. If elected will you join the Parliamentarian Network for Nuclear Disarmament (PNND: http://www.pnnd.org/) and sign ICAN’s Parliamentary Appeal? ( http://www.icanw.org/projects/appeal/) The idea here is to give a clear and concrete expression to the Scottish desire to stand aside from the nuclear weapon states (particularly the UK) and show solidarity with the majority world which favour a global ban. It ties in also with continuing hopes for independence and national status at the UN.
2. Will you commit to working in collaboration with other parties and individuals in other parties on the common platform of disarmament so that the Parliament’s rejection of nuclear weapons is not weakened by inter-party strife?
3. Will you push for the legality of Trident to be properly examined within Scots Law?
4. Will you do what you can to ensure that the Scottish Government takes action on emergency planning in relation to Trident weapon convoys through Scotland?                There are some more ideas from Don’t Bank on the Bomb in the previous Newsletter.

Please tell us of any other Hustings and we will add them to our list edinburghcnd@yahoo.com

Sunday 20 March. 1 – 4pm.  Fly Kites not Drones. On the Meadows.By the Pavilion Cafe. Supported by EdinburghCND

Afghan children traditionally fly kites on Now Ruz (New Year). But the blue skies of Afghanistan are now a fearful sight to the children who no longer want to fly kites, due to fear of a drone strike. Drones are now extensively used in Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, Gaza, Yeman, Mali and Somalia too, with untold civilian casualties. We will Fly Kties in solidarity with all who live under the threat of drones.Bring a kite or come along and make one.

Drone Campaign Network’s monthly email 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 monthly email newsletter, sign up via website http://dronecampaignnetwork.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f4b7a7e4e1dc9a526bdcef140&id=96c08d27ce&e=a4fa904f48

Other Events this weekend                                                                                                             1. Saturday 19th Refugees Welcome are Welcome Here demonstration  assemble 11am for 11.30am start at George Square in Glasgow. 2.Later on some of us will join the solidarity with Syria demo and rally that leaves Parliament Square in Edinburgh at 1pm and then rallies at the Parliament until 4pm.
3.Sunday 20th The Scottish Defence League want to march in Edinburgh on a viciously anti-refugee, Islamophobic and racist platform.  Support the call from UAF to assemble at the Mound at 12.45 to say no to the SDL (and go to the Meadows after)

Ask Your MSPs to Sign Motion Calling on Scottish Government to Recognise International Conscientious Objectors Day.
A motion calling on Scottish Parliament to recognise International Conscientious Objectors’ Day 15 May has been lodged by Alison Johnstone MSP. Read the full text of the Motion S4M-15865 http://peaceandjustice.us7.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=6e39b7d66c916d69d27cb405f&id=fd64b5d495&e=c2ba2454a

Syria petition at https://www.scribd.com/doc/298238583/Syria-Petition
(The petition on Military visits to schools is still open: see previous news)

CND condemns cuts made to welfare as government ploughs ahead with £100+bn Trident replacement
In light of cuts to welfare in George Osborne’s 2016 budget, anti-nuclear campaigns have reissued their demand for the government to cancel plans to replace Trident, the UK’s nuclear weapons system. Kate Hudson, CND general secretary, said: “This budget is a total disaster for some of the most vulnerable people in the UK. The government has announced cuts to welfare for disabled people, cuts to pensions for nurses and teachers, and cuts to local government. Yet it remains committed to replacing Trident at a cost of over £100 billion.”
Don’t forget that People not Trident – which looks at what else Britain could spend £100billion on, other than Trident – is available for using at your local demonstrations and events. You can order it from the CND shop.
If you disagree with Osborne and the Tory government’s pursuit of nuclear weapons at the cost of support for the disabled, pensioners and Local Government make your feelings known: Write to your MP to tell them you want to stop Trident replacement. You can contact your MP using the CND website Tweet your support for the #StopTrident campaign, perhaps using some of the facts above Join our People not Trident bloc at the People’s Assembly demonstration on Saturday, April 16th

We are sad to announce the death of EdinburghCND supporter Sylvia Marshall. Sylvia’s funeral will be held at 1.30 on Friday 1 April at Morton Hall Crematorium followed by a memorial meeting at 3pm at the Edinburgh Quaker Meeting House where Sylvia was a member.

Meetings:

1. Monday 21st March Edinburgh Stop the War monthly meeting at the Quaker Meeting House. Report back from the Scottish Stop the War meeting, discussion and planning on antiwar campaigning andcompare notes and draw threads together with SACC on campaigning plans around Islamophobia and Prevent at the end of the evening.
2. Next meeting of the Don’t Bank on the Bomb network to 22 March 2pm at the Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre.
3. Trident Ploughshares NVDA workshop Saturday March 26th 10am – 5pm
   Glasgow Quaker Meeting House 38 Elmbank Crescent, Glasgow G2 4PS Trident Ploughshares invites you to join a day long workshop to prepare for taking part in Nonviolent Direct Action against the Trident nuclear weapons system and considering joining TP. For more info and booking go to http://tridentploughshares.org/trident-ploughshares-members-training/ People who can’t risk arrest but would like to do practical hands on support are very welcome.
4. Nukewatch Edinburgh meeting will be a 7pm on Thurs 31 March in the Peace and Justice Centre.wwrk out some practicalities about watching the by pass and how to make the most of Tridents proximity in local campaigning.
5. New Item: Please see the following message on a peace forum in Nineveh this Thursday and Friday and kindly consider forwarding to contacts:
   https://kaibrandjacobsen.wordpress.com/2016/03/28/theres-also-nineveh-a-request-for-help-contacting-media-around-the-world/
6. Saturday (2 April): Edinburgh stop the war have a campaigning stall at the East End of Princes Street (by the Wellington Statue opposite the Balmoral), 1pm – 2.30pm  – if you can get a long to help, even for a short time that would be great. Hope to see
7. Next Meeting of Edinburgh CND 6pm on 4th April in ACE
8. Next Meeting of the Scottish Peace Network 6th April at 2 pm in Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre 5 Upper Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2JN
9. The People’s Assembly National Demo: Join Our ‘People Not Trident’ Bloc
   Details Saturday 16 April 2016

Other News:

1.CND is hiring! CND (London Office) is looking for a new Office & HR Manager to sustain a supportive and efficient working environment for everyone at CND. Please share the ad far and wide.

2.Petition: Make planting trees a priority to reduce flooding by improving soil and drainage
View on petition.parliament.uk

3. New Website: Scotland Stop the War has a new website at http://www.scotlandstopwar.org

4.Ban Ki-moon will end his 10-year term in December 2016. The campaign for the next UN Secretary-General has begun. Seven candidates have already come forward, and there are possibilities of additional nominations. You can question the candidates
​ There are three easy ways to submit your question.
Fill out an online form, Tweet using #UNSGcandidates , Email askSGcandidates@unngls.org, Perhaps your question will be about nuclear disarmament?

5. New Item: Date 23 March 2016 Local Authorities Investments in Arms (City of Edinburgh Council) In August 2015 Common Weal South Lanarkshire submitted a Freedom of Information request to all 32 local authorities in Scotland to establish which councils had investments in companies designing, manufacturing or selling arms in the UK and worldwide.

 

Please click on events to see dates of hustings: go and ask your potential MSPs about their views on Trident

1.A convoy transporting Trident nuclear weapons to Scotland was seen this morning (Thursday 10 March) at 0730 on the M6 near Preston. It is likely to travel through Scotland later today.                                                                                                                                   If you see it please contact Nukewatch on 0345 458 8365.
Tell your MP to stop the nuclear convoys Last Friday in Parliament the Government blocked a Bill which would have introduced regulations on the transportation of nuclear warheads around the country. The Bill was introduced following a number of incidents where warheads have been transported in residential areas and in poor weather conditions. CND is working with other groups to raise awareness of this issue and is supporting the Bill. Please contact your MP today and ask them to sign EDM 987 which supports the Bill and ask them to support the Bill when it returns to the House of Commons on Friday. You can contact your MP through the template form on the CND website.

2. Tomorrow (11th March) is the fifth anniversary of the Fukushima disaster.Around the country anti-nuclear campaigners and activists will commemorate the ongoing disastrous effects of the nuclear accident that took place in Japan five years ago.The Japanese government remains unable to contain the problem. Radioactive leaks at the site means that thousands of people continue to be displaced.

Gathering to remember Fukushima,
Donald Dewar Statue, Buchanan St, Glasgow, 10 – 11 am, Friday 11 March.
Five years ago, on 11th March 2011 there was a major nuclear accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan. There were explosions in 3 of the reactors. Radiation was scattered across a vast area. 160,000 people were told to leave their homes . The so called clean up is a whitewash.
Scotland has Trident nuclear-armed submarines in our seas, and convoys of nuclear weapons driving through Glasgow and Edinburgh. The links between the technology for the weapons and the development of nuclear power are undeniable and dangerous, so to complicate matters and make it even worse, instead of a safe country with renewable energy we also have to worry about trains criss-crossing the country with nuclear waste from Hunterston, Torness and Dounreay.
Come with placards and paper cranes at 10 am on Friday 11 March to the top of Buchanan St, Glasgow, to remember the Fukushima accident, let others know and share information about the event on Facebook and Twitter.

3. (a) EdinburghCND leafleting. 12.30 Sat 12th March East end of Princes Street (before Women in Black)                                                                                                                                           (b) There will be a meeting of the Stop the War Scotland steering group on Saturday March 12th, 3pm – 5pm in the Conference Room at the Augustine United Church on George 4th Bridge.  Agenda includes our campaigning work on Syria, Iraq and the Middle East, Prevent/Islamophobia, Trident/Nato. The meeting is an opportunity for local groups to share experiences and coordinate plans for the next few months. (c) Songs of the Unsung Heroes March 12th 2-4.30pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre
Jane Lewis and Penny Stone from Protest in Harmony lead a fun and inspirational afternoon of songs celebrating the movements and people who opposed the First World War.

4. Forceswatch Quaker Meeting House Victoria Terrace Edinburgh 14th March 2016 7 – 9 pm. Challenging Military Visits to Scottish Schools
Discussion of issues around armed Forces visits to schools in Scotland. In conjunction with the petition to Scottish Parliament for greater scrutiny.
Owen Everett, ForcesWatch. Annie McCrae, Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS)
Conor McAllister, Veterans for Peace UK.
Also: Tues 15 March STUC, 333 Woodlands Rd, Glasgow.
Owen Everett, ForcesWatch. Nicola Fisher, local primary teacher. Geoffrey Martin & Conor McAllister, Veterans for Peace will speak out about having been recruited at age 17.
Sign the petition for greater transparency, regulation and scrutiny of Armed Forces visits to schools: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/GettingInvolved/Petitions/armedforcesvisitstoschools
See also article in the National:
http://www.thenational.scot/comment/michael-gray-should-the-army-be-targeting-pupils-for-enlistment.14738
5. Stop Trident: next steps
Welcome to the March edition of CND’s new, monthly magazine. We’ll be keeping you updated about what we’ve been up to, what’s coming up and exploring a few issues in the Trident debate in more depth. Let me know if there’s anything in particular you would like us to cover in this magazine or if you have any other feedback at all.
The Stop Trident demonstration was rightly acclaimed by all as the biggest anti-nuclear demonstration in a generation. CND General Secretary Kate Hudson writes about its success and the next steps we all need to take.
All of us can influence the Labour Party’s position on Trident. Carol Turner, Vice-Chair of Labour CND, explains how.
Read the full magazine here

6. nuClear News No.83 March 2016 now available for downloading:
http://www.no2nuclearpower.org.uk/nuclearnews/NuClearNewsNo83.pdf

7. Fly Kites Not Drones. Sunday 20 March. 1 – 4pm.
On the Meadows. (By the Meadows Pavilion Café). Edinburgh
Kite making, Decorating, and Flying. In solidarity with Afghan Peace Volunteers and other people living under threat of Drones.

8. Hustings Questions from Don’t Bank on the Bomb Q.1 SNP / Labour / Green Party is against Trident renewal but the Scottish Parliamentary Pension Scheme (administered by Fund Managers Baillie Gifford) have invested £244,517 in Rolls Royce which manufactures the propulsion system, (reactors) for Trident submarines. Would you support divestment of the SPPS from companies such as Rolls Royce that manufacture components for Trident and other nuclear weapons systems?
Q.2 With the global movement for a ban on nuclear weapons now supported by 123 countries production, possession and deployment of nuclear weapons is becoming increasingly stigmatized internationally & will sooner or later be illegal. This means investments in nuclear weapons is increasingly a financial risk. Would you agree that it would therefore be prudent for the Scottish Parliamentary Pension Scheme to divest from companies producing nuclear weapons.

 

9. Ask your constituency and list MSPs add their name to Motion S4M – 15865 for the Scottish Government to recognise International Conscientious Objectors’ Day (15 May). The full text of the resolution, lodged by Alison Johnstone MSP can be found at http://www.peaceandjustice.org.uk and on the Scottish Parliament website.

10. Parliamentary CND took place on 8th March in Room W2 off Westminster Hall. parliamentary@cnduk.org

London 27th February: Led by CND, party leaders joined trade union and faith leaders, as well as activists and celebrities to show the breadth of public opposition to Trident. This demonstration clearly showed the huge surge across society against Trident replacement and we thank everyone who joined us there. You helped make this a truly momentous occasion which will have an enormous impact on the politics of Britain and the outcome of the Trident question.
Sharon Dolev the director of the Israeli Disarmament Movement spoke at the Rally and then came to Scotland to address a meeting at the Parliament. Take a look at the photos from the demonstration (and buy a commemorative t-shirt) on the CND website http://www.cnduk.org and on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/EdinburghCND/
‘Don’t you believe in democracy?’ CND asks Fallon, as further £642m Trident spend announced Campaigners have condemned defence secretary Michael Fallon’s announcement to spend a further £642 million (taking the amount already being spent on Trident’s successor to almost £4bn) ahead of a Parliamentary vote on whether to replace Trident, the UK’s nuclear weapons system. Kate Hudson, CND general secretary, said: “I ask Michael Fallon, what is the point of a parliamentary vote on Trident if the government’s going to spend millions on replacement anyway?” Michael Fallon will be at the Scottish Consrvatives Conference at Murrayfield today ( Friday). His plan is NOT TO listen to us lobby the Tories before a Trident vote. Meet around noon at the junction of Roseburn Street and Roseburn Terrace. Bring something to make a noise and some eyecatching props and banners and we will walk down to the entrance together.

MEETINGS!                                                                                                                                                   The next Edinburgh CND meeting will be on Monday 7th March 6pm at ACE 17 W Montgomery Pl, Edinburgh EH7 5HA. ALL WELCOME. The next CAAT Edinburgh meeting is also on Monday 7th March 7.30 to 8:45pm at the Quaker Meeting House at 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh. We would love you to join us!

Saturday 12 March: 1230pm: Edinburgh CND will be leafletting at the East End of Princes Street and from 2 – 4:30pm. Songs of the Unsung Heroes.Scottish Storytelling Centre
43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR Jane Lewis and Penny Stone from Protest in Harmony lead a fun and inspirational afternoon of songs celebrating the movements and people who opposed the First World War. Learn songs about the men and women who refused to fight and those involved in the movements for equality and social justice that move us closer to a world without war. Organised by Protest in Harmony, as part of the Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace Festival,in conjunction with the Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre’s The World Is My Country exhibition. All welcome, no previous experience necessary. Book Tickets here. £12 / Network Members £10. NB The exhibition is on now and runs to the 12th.

Forceswatch 14th March 2016 7 – 9 pm. Quaker Meeting House Victoria Terrace Edinburgh Please circulate the Eventbrite page widely https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/challenging-military-visits-to-scottish-schools-edinburgh-public-meeting-tickets-22276168620. Also, for those of you who use Facebook, please invite people to the ‘event’ on there, and spread the word that way: https://www.facebook.com/events/899411836844995/. EdinburghCND is supporting this meeting

Scrap Trident: meeting in Edinburgh Thursday March 17th at 6.30pm. Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre, 5 Upper Bow, EH1 2JN

Fly Kites Not Drones Sunday 20 March. 1 – 4pm. On the Meadows. Fly Kites Not Drones was inspired by the Afghan Peace Volunteers who say the beautiful blue skies of Afghanistan are now a fearful sight to children who no longer want to fly kites, due to fear of a drone strike. The campaign is focused on the psychological impacts of weaponised drones which are now extensively used in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, Gaza, Yeman, Mali and Somalia.

Still running: 140,000 Paper Cranes Workshops Edinburgh Peace & Justice Centre, 5 Upper Bow, EH1 2JN Saturdays: 2 – 4pm

Planning for the future: (1) Edinburgh CND is supporting the MayDay March and Rally: ‪#‎workersrights‬ ‪#‎humanrights‬ The 2016 Edinburgh and Lothians May Day March will assemble 11.30am, Saturday 7th May at the top of Johnston Terrace from where it will march to a rally at the Pleasance. Save the date, tell your friends and workmates.                (2) Benefit in Aid of Edinburgh CND at The Stand Edinburgh on Tuesday 21st June. This is a busy and crucial year for our campaign-all the more reason to lighten up with laughter while raising money and reaching out to a new audience. Can you help make this night a winner by selling tickets to friends and families, by helping run the event and donating raffle prizes? Tickets cost £7 (£5 concs) and can be reserved through the Stand website, their box office on 0131-558 7272 or bought direct from Edinburgh CND on 0131-538 7298 or edinburghcnd.org or on the door. As well as the money from ticket sales we hope to run a raffle to raise even more cash. This means top quality prizes donated by you! We’ve already been offered red wine by one generous supporter

STOP PRESS: Added on 27th A growing number of cultural figures have expressed support for Saturday’s major Stop Trident demonstration. Hip hop group Young Fathers and trip hop legends Massive Attack called on their followers to support the demo. Actress Vanessa Redgrave, Enter Shikari’s Rou Reynolds, and comedienne Francesca Martinez will address the Trafalgar Square rally. And political singer songwriter Robb Johnson is set to perform at the beginning of the march in Marble Arch.                  The NUS National Executive Council which gathered this week has passed a motion in support of Saturday’s major Stop Trident demo. Shakira Martin, NUS vice president (Further Education), who will speak at the Trafalgar Square rally, said: “today the National Union of Students, which represents 7 million students, voted to support this Saturday’s Stop Trident national demonstration. CND Stop Trident demonstration – 27th February 2016 Trafalgar Square rally, running approx. 2.15/30 to 4pm. See Website for running  order

A Message about the Demo from the Scrap Trident Coalition:
The bus from Glasgow and Edinburgh is full and there’s another bus from Stirling (seats still available )
If you are making your own way and want to stay at the Convergence space (sleeping on the floor) then theres still room. Contact enquiries@cnduk.org
If you are meeting us in London and want to join the Scottish block then we are going to be near the front of the march behind the main banner and speakers. The march assembles in Park Lane near Marble Arch and the road will be closed for forming up at noon. Walk on down Park Lane untill you find us. We will have big Sandy and Big CiNDy, the Scottish CND puppets and hopefully a piper so will be easy to spot! The march is to Trafalgar Square where the rally is happening. If you can’t make it then look out for us on social media and share, share, share!

International organisations backing the demo included Le Mouvement de la Paix (France), The International Peace Bureau (Switzerland), Rete italiana per il disarmo (Italian Disarmament Network), New Zealand Peace Council, American Friends Service Committee, amongst 30 other organisations.‘This is a moment of great opportunity for us. The moment we can make the difference – and change the course of history. Please make every effort to join me at the Stop Trident demo on Saturday. We need huge numbers of individuals and organisations from across society. This is our time – make it count!
With thanks, Bruce Kent’
Kate Hudson, CND general secretary, said:
“The scale of the international support we are receiving shows that Trident replacement is not just a British matter: our nuclear rearmament is of enormous concern globally. The leaders of the Labour Party, Scottish National Party, and Plaid Cymru will mount the same stage in Trafalgar Square to speak to tens of thousands of people gathered to say one thing: ‘stop Trident.’ Jeremy Corbyn’s office confirmed today that he would address the anti-nuclear weapons rally, joining Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Plaid Cymru’s Leanne Wood. The Green MP Caroline Lucas will also join the mass rally alongside a star-studded line-up including actress Vanessa Redgrave.
Oxford CND have a song sheet for us

All the ads are now up on buses and reaching millions of people, just 4 days before the Stop Trident demo! This wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of our members and supporters. A press conference on Monday was followed by a photo call with MPs Caroline Lucas, Ronnie Campbell, Stuart Donaldson, Ian Blackford, Alison Thewliss, and others. On Friday Artist Peter Kennard revealed #StopTrident art competition result at Central London rally 10 things you can do to Stop Trident see cnduk.org

Other Events:

1. The World Is My Country Exhibition Thurs 25 Feb – Sat 12 March
   Free Exhibition Launch 6pm Thursday 25 February With graphic artist Emily Johns, Gabriel Carlyle, and Protest in Harmony. Scottish Storytelling Centre 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR
   The Exhibition celebrates, in stories and pictures, the people and movements that opposed the First World War. Featuring disobedient soldiers, feminist peace initiatives, a Maori princess, a famous Cambridge philosopher, and the striking graphic art of Emily Johns.Join & Share Event on Facebook:
   https://www.facebook.com/events/1575076856117731/

2. Crane making workshops at the Peace and Justice Centre on Saturdays

3. Songs of the Unsung Heroes. Saturday 12 March. 2 – 4:30pm. Scottish Storytelling Centre 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR

4. Forces Watch meeting Monday 14th March: Quaker Meeting House in Edinburgh EdinburghCND and Scottish wilpf

5.Thursday 3 March, 5.30 pm Martin Hall New College Edin Uni Mound Place
Dr Eurig Scandrett, Queen Margaret University, and Elspeth Strachan, Edinburgh
‘Pollution in a Promised Land’: Justice and the Environment in Palestine and Israel.
Monday 14 March, 4.30 pm Martin Hall
Emma Ritch, Director of Engender – Scotland’s Feminist Organisation
Engendering rights? The challenges of using human rights approaches to realise gender justice

6. The next meeting of the Don’t Bank on the Bomb network to 22 March 2pm at the Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre.

7. The OEWG is meeting at the present time it is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to undertake substantive work on legal measures and norms to achieve a nuclear-weapon-free world, and to make recommendations on measures to reduce the risks of accidental, mistaken, unauthorized or intentional nuclear weapon detonations.
The OEWG is open to all member States of the United Nations and to representatives of civil society.

8. Drones Campaign: more events and Feb newsletter: https://dronecampaignnetwork.wordpress.com

 

And a few other things (views not necessarily those of EdinburghCND)

1.From Feb 22-26, governments and civil society met at the Palais des Nations (United Nations) in Geneva for the first sessions of the UN Open Ended Working Group on Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament Negotiations.                                                                                                                           2.Trident: How the banks have their fingers on the button https://www.commonspace.scot/articles/3468/trident-how-the-banks-have-their-fingers-on-the-button
3. Compass: sharing this video will help build momentum. Please help us do that and we hope to see you at the march on 27th February.                                                                              4.Boris Johnson Solitaire, Sturgeon Blackjack or Trident Poker
http://browngirloutsidethering.blogspot.co.uk/               5.http://votetoleaveeuropeanunion.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/we-call-on-everyone-to-vote-to-leave-eu.html

STOP PRESS: All bus tickets sold BUT please contact us if you want to go to London. We can help. edinburghcnd@yahoo.com

As we all know CND is calling a massive demonstration in London on 27th February to protest against Britain’s nuclear weapons system: Trident.
Join the Scottish bloc on the march to say Scrap Trident and say No to government plans to buy a new system at a cost of over £167 billion.
Get a bus ticket through Eventbrite. We leave Glasgow (George Square) at 21:00, Friday Feb 26th then onto Edinburgh (Waterloo Place) leaving at approx 22:15 then down to London. There is also a coach from Stirling. For more info and tickets from Stirling please contact Alasdair Ibbotson on 0785 674 9264 or click here.
If you require accommodation please fill in this form.
Check all the details about the demo and the programme here.
DO WE NEED A CONVERGENCE SPACE?DEADLINE THURSDAY 5.00PMCND UK want to make sure that not just Nicola, but all the campaigners from Scotland are looked after when they come down for the demo. They have arranged a convergence centre not too far away with parking space for buses and cars, breakfast, somewhere to sleep and wash your face either night and a safe place to leave stuff you don’t want to carry during the day. Because people have not booked in, they may need to cancel.They need to know exactly what we want. If you are going by public transport, or in a bus,and feel that any of the above would improve your trip, please register your interest BY THURSDAY 18TH AT 5.00PM.The best way is by completing the form https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CR8N798which has space for any questions you need to ask before you decide.For those going down early there is a great rally on the Friday evening at Friends House (opposite Euston Staion) and for those staying on their will be a chance to meet with international campaigners on Sunday

The Public and Commercial Services Union has backed the demo.
In a statement the union said “PCS national policy opposes Trident renewal because it is a costly and unnecessary programme that does nothing to improve our national security.
“It should be scrapped, with the money saved to be reinvested in our public services and infrastructure, generating thousands of jobs in the process.Those people currently employed to work on Trident should be given re-training and re-employment as part of this process.” PCS is the latest to back the Stop Trident demo organised by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, joining twenty five national organisations, including War on Want, Greenpeace, Pax Christi, Stop the War Coalition, Friends of the Earth, Quakers, Green Party, and the People’s Assembly Against Austerity.  A group of Labour MPs also say they will support the demo.

CND is funding bus ads. See http://cnduk.org if you wish to help. If you’re lucky enough to spot a #StopTrident bus, please tweet a photo – they are @CNDuk on Twitter.

On the news front: There are reports that the Trident vote will be delayed until June, July or October: http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/feb/11/trident-vote-delayed-by-david-cameron-until-after-eu-referendum     https://www.rt.com/uk/332283-trident-vote-eu-delay/   In addition to these political arguments it should be noted that those who advocate a quick decision were doing so on the basis that it was needed to meet the 2028 in-service date, but the SDSR put back the in-service date to “the early 2030s”, probably around 2032. It is also hard to see how major contracts could be signed before the new management structure for the defence nuclear programme is in place.

For a good long read on Trident try:
http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/feb/11/trident-the-british-question

Other News:                                                                                                                                         Recently a nuclear warhead convoy used parts of the Edinburgh bypass on its route from Coulport to, presumably, Burghfield or Aldermaston. These regular convoys look set to continue for decades if Trident is replaced. Please contact your MP and tell them this constituent objects to these cargoes moving around the country, putting us all at risk.
Where is the evidence that the UK is negotiating in good faith to ban or reduce the number of nuclear weapons, as is I believe, demanded by the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty that we signed years ago?
‘I strongly support any actions you may take, as my MP, to stop these potentially catastrophic loads for good.’

NuClear News No.82 February 2016 is now available for downloading here: http://www.no2nuclearpower.org.uk/nuclearnews/NuClearNewsNo82.pdf

Peace and Justice Centre news for February http://peaceandjustice.org.uk

Other Meetings: (1) Saturday 20 February – at the Assembly Rooms – we will be running a workshop that looks at Trident and war in the Middle East at the RIC Conference – for more details go to http://www.radical.scot

(2)[ScottishPeaceNetwork] Next Meeting: Tuesday 1st March at 2 p.m. in Edinburgh

(3) Forces Watch meeting Monday 14th March: Quaker Meeting House in Edinburgh

Don’t Bank on the Bomb:  Trident: How the banks have their fingers on the button https://www.commonspace.scot/articles/3468/trident-how-the-banks-have-their-fingers-on-the-button

News from Australia: The Walkatjurra Walkabout will be happening again in August this year (more info coming soon at http://www.walkingfrcountry.com) there is a strong possibility that we will be coordinating this with a gathering in Kalgoorlie at the end of the Walk. We are also in the process of discussing ways to Run / Convoy to the Pine Gap gathering at the end of September to bring attention to the 50th Anniversary.