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..

There are many events at the Justice Festival. We particularly recommend the following:

David Rovics in concert, also featuring Calum Baird

8 – 11 pm Monday 28 Sept

The Canon’s Gait, 232 Canongate, EH8 8DQ

EWJF Committee

Peace poet and troubadour all the way from Portland, Oregon Entry £10/£6

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

EWJF Committee

Discussion and debate on a fairer future. Keynote speaker Walden Bello.

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?

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

Egalitarian Frames

Oct 9 Opening Night, 5.30pm – 8.30pm.

October 10^th – 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.

 1. Edinburgh CND will be leafleting at the “Scotland against fracking” demonstration outside the Scottish Parliament from 1 pm on Saturday (26 September). We will also be at the Climate Change Rally at the Mound. We will have Bairns not Bombs, Don’t bomb Syria and EWJF leaflets.

2. There will be a vigil at the North Gate of Faslane this Saturday 26 September from 1pm – 2:30pm. This is a special ocassion as Arun Gandhi, the grandson of Gandhi, who is himself a deeply committed peace activist, will take part in the vigil between 1:30 & 2pm.Arun Gandhi is making this visit to Faslane as part of his time in Scotland in order to show solidarity with the nonviolent nuclear disarmament movement here in Scotland and with our aspirations for peace.

New EDM on TRIDENT RENEWAL – get your MPs to sign up. TRIDENT RENEWAL
http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2015-16/417

EVENTS
1. Austrian Ambassador in Scotland: Towards a Global Nuclear Weapons Ban The meeting will address humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons (see previous News item) Please email Janet Fenton to book a place janetscotlands4peace@yahoo.co.uk

2. As one of the supporting organisations ECND are pleased to announce a great programme for Edinburgh World Justice Festival (EWJF) 2015. 19 informative, thought-provoking and inspiring events organised by 17 lively campaigning organisations in the city. The full list is copied below (end of this newsletter). Further details posted on the website http://www.ewjf.org.uk and on Facebook.
 3. Edinburgh Stop the War meets Monday 21 September 7.30pm at the Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace EH1 2JL. Agenda includes: report from Stop the War UK annual conference, Syria and refugees, Scrap Trident and Stop the War’s contribution to the Edinburgh World Justice Festival
4. The Scottish Peace Network will be meeting on 24th September. A leaflet is planned for remembrance day.

NEWS
1. CND congratulated Jeremy Corbyn on becoming the new Labour leader
Corbyn is vice-chair of CND and made scrapping Trident a central part of his leadership bid.
Kate Hudson, CND general secretary, said:
“This is an historic moment; a turning point for all those working towards a fairer and more peaceful world.”
“Jeremy’s flagship policies include scrapping Trident and opposing austerity. His success proves that these policies are popular, and have now entered mainstream politics.”
“Labour was obliterated in the General Election by an anti-Trident party in Scotland, and polls indicate a majority of the UK population firmly oppose Trident. We are delighted that a Labour leader will now stand up and represent that majority.”
CND is a democratic organisation and the annual conference and AGM is the opportunity for members to decide our overall direction for the coming year, elect our leadership, debate contemporary issues and draw strength and inspiration from participating in a collective national forum.
Venue: Arlington Conference Centre in Camden, London Time: 10am – 4.30pm Saturday 17th October
We invite all members to attend; you must register by 9th October. New members must also join by the 9th October to be eligable to attend.
Full details and to register online visit Conference 2015
Reminder: Tell the government Trident doesn’t keep us safe
The government is working on the 2015 National Security Strategy (NSS) and Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) and they want your input.
Further information can be found on the CND web site. Also fundraising request.                                                         2. The latest minutes of the SCND executive are available.
3. The Walkatjurra Walkabout, which started in 2011, finished its 5th walk in the North Eastern Goldfields town of Leonora on Tuesday. The walk, a collaboration of Aboriginal and non-indigenous people, is a moving community protest against the proposed uranium mines in the region. The month long walk, lead by local Traditional Owners, covered almost 450 km’s from Wiluna to Leonora, passing Toro Energy’s Wiluna uranium mine proposal at Lake Way and Cameco’s proposed uranium mine at Yeelirrie Station. We had regular updates of their progress.

4. EWJF 2015 PROGRAMME (see above)
This Changes Everything
13.00 – 15.00 Sunday 27 Sept
The Filmhouse, 88 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH3 9BZ
Take One Action and Friends of the Earth Scotland
Epic documentary film based on Naomi Klein’s book on climate change. Tickets from the Filmhouse
David Rovics in concert, also featuring Calum Baird
8 – 11 pm Monday 28 Sept
The Canon’s Gait, 232 Canongate, EH8 8DQ
EWJF Committee
Peace poet and troubadour all the way from Portland, Oregon Entry £10/£6
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
EWJF Committee
Discussion and debate on a fairer future. Keynote speaker Walden Bello.
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?
Imagine our world in 2040
17.30 – 19.30 Mon 5th Oct
Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2JL
Quaker Social Responsibility Group
Share concerns for the next quarter century over an informal meal
Accompaniment in Palestine
19.30 – 21.00 Tues 6th Oct
Undercroft, St Andrew’s and St George’s West, George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA
Scottish Palestinian Forum
What is accompaniment and how do organisations working in Palestine provide it?
Human Rights and the Peace Process in Colombia
17.45-19.30 Wed 7th Oct
Fleming Room, Scottish Parliament, EH99 1SP
Justice for Colombia
Hear first-hand experience of the struggle to protect peasants and their rights.
Register on Eventbrite
Does the Pope speak for us all on ecology and justice?
18.00-19.30 Thurs 8th Oct
Faculty Room North, David Hume Tower, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JX
Ethics Forum of University of Edinburgh
In Laudato Si Pope Francis calls for ecology and social justice. Does he represent us all?
Sharing Skills and Making a Difference?
7.30 pm Thurs 8th Oct
Augustine Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH1 1EL
Edinburgh VSO Supporters’ Group
What can volunteers contribute to fighting poverty in the global south?
The Yes Men Fix The World
7.00 pm Fri 9th Oct
Augustine Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH1 1EL
Global Justice Now
Spectacular media hoaxes and thought-provoking pranks in the Yes Men’s hilarious film
Gaza Unsilenced Book Signing Event
14.00-15.30 Sun 11th Oct
Hadeel, 123 George St. EH2 4YN
Palcrafts and Hadeel
Laila El-Haddad, also co-author of “The Gaza Kitchen”,
tells stories of Gaza following last year’s Israeli assault’.
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
Change Everything? Or just our energy supply?
19.30 – 21.00 Wed 14th
Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2JL
Friends of the Earth Scotland
The big issues in building a movement strong enough to stop climate change
Palestine: a struggle for equality, justice & freedom
7 – 9 PM Thurs 15th
Tollcross Community Centre, EH3 9QQ
Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Nakba exhibition, discussion, Q&A
Sounds of Solidarity
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

War Against the People: Israel, the Palestinians and Global Pacification 2.00pm Sat 17th Oct Augustine Church Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign Jeff Halper on new ways world powers forge war, through military high technology tested on Palestinians

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

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

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.

Note arrangement for booking places at the ICAN/Swilpf meeting on the 23rd (see below)

NEW: Edinburgh Sees Syria Rally will be at the Scottish Parliament, 2.30pm Saturday 12th September. Edinburgh CND at the East end of Princes Street from 1230
The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament has condemned a new round of UK air strikes in Syria which have resulted in the deaths of British citizens.
David Cameron told the Commons today that RAF drones had undertaken strikes at the end of August, and had targeted and killed a British citizen, and that another British citizen, who was not targeted, was also killed.
CND General Secretary Kate Hudson said:
“That a British citizen was targeted and killed by these strikes – and another killed by mistake – is particularly alarming and sets a dangerous new precedent. This is extrajudicial killing: a British Prime Minister now claims the right to kill British citizens when they travel abroad.”
“We must also remember that Parliament voted against strikes in Syria in August 2013. This latest round of strikes is a further violation of the will of parliament.                                                                                                            ”Protest in Harmony singing session this saturday is a We Welcome Refugees Special. rehearsal is 10-1 at the Quaker Meeting House, 7 Vic­toria Ter­race, Edinburgh. There will be a break for people to have lunch then we will be busking the songs on the Royal Mile from 2-3pm to raise money for local Refugee support charities, and from 3-4pm we’ll be singing at the Edinburgh Sees Syria event outside Holyrood.

EdinburghCND will be meeting on Monday 7th September at 6pm in ACE 17 W Montgomery Pl, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH7 5HA. Wee will be discussing our input into the Edinburgh World Justice Festival (ewjf).
We have 2 main inputs:
1. The main festival event on Saturday 3rd October
2. Our own meeting on Monday 5th October.
Austerity, Debt, and Military Spending Quaker Meeting House 5 October, 7.30 -9.30 pm.
In addition we have agreed to help at the schools event on Friday 2nd.
There are also meetings on Monday 12th (Scottish Wilpf) and Monday 19th (Edinburgh Stop the War) which we may wish to input into. http://www.ewjf.org.uk for more information

Edinburgh Stop the War will be leafleting at the East End of Princes Street from 1 – 2.30 on Saturday 5th – there is a new leaflet, a petition and they will be encouraging people to attend the Edinburgh sees Syria event on the following Saturday (12th). EdinburghCND will also be leafleting on the 12th from 1230 to 1pm at the East End of Princes Street NEW: Edinburgh Stop the War e-newsletter no.180
http://www.edinburghstw.tumblr.com – for up to the minute news and activity
event here https://www.facebook.com/events/685711964897261/

News from other organisations:
1. nuClear News No.77 September 2015 is now available for downloading here:
http://www.no2nuclearpower.org.uk/nuclearnews/NuClearNewsNo77.pdf                                                                            2. Peace and Justice Centre News http://peaceandjustice.org.uk                                                                                  3. WalkatJurra Walkabout updates available (see earlier posts)
4. Next meeting of the Scottish Peace Network is on Thursday 24th September at 7pm in the Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre
5. The next CAAT Edinburgh meeting will also be on Monday, 7th September The main items will be and update on our take action conference on Saturday 31st October, 11:15 am to 3:30 pm in central Edinburgh which will focus on divestment campaigns, arms to renewables, and preventing debt from weapons sales, plus celebrating CAAT Edinburgh’s 20th anniversary. Please save the date. More information will be sent out soon.                                        6. Scottish Wilpf: 100 years of Women Campaigning for Peace: Out of the Blue Drill Hall 36 Dalmeny Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 8RG Exhibition – 4th – 23rd September Wool Against Weapons Scotland and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom Radical Creatives’ Café Saturday 5th Sept 2-5pm     (see earlier post for more detail)                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Scottish Wilpf and ICAN meeting:
Bill Kidd MSP, as co chair of the nuclear disarmament cross party group will host guests on Wednesday 23rd September from 6.30 – 8.30pm at the Scottish Parliament, marking UN International Day of Peace and UN International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. The early evening discussion will highlight and support the Humanitarian Pledge, initiated by the Austrian Government, which aims to fill the legal gap in the prohibition and elimination of nuclear weapons. The meeting is hosted by the Scottish section of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (S WILPF) with support from SCND and other members of the Scrap Trident Coalition. The meeting will address humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, including the particular relevance for women and girls, and examine the ways in which gender structures stand in the way of disarmament. Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs has been invited to contribute some introductory remarks. A panel, including Dr Claire Duncanson Lecturer in International Relations University of Edinburgh, Mia Gandenberger WILPF project Programme Manager with Reaching Critical Will in Geneva, Rebecca Sharkey UK Coordinator International Campaign for Abolition of Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), along with European diplomats will offer academic, political and activist perspectives. Please email Janet Fenton to book a place janetscotlands4peace@yahoo.co.uk

Other News:                                                                                                                                                           Strategic Defence and Security Review
The UK government published its last Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) in 2010. Our main criticism at the time, was that Britain’s nuclear weapons were not included in the strategic review – there was just an assumption that Trident would be retained and replaced. This was in spite of the fact that the National Security Strategy published at the same time lowered state on state nuclear threats to a ‘tier 2’ threat level.
The government is now working on a new SDSR and it is repeating the same mistake: nuclear weapons possession will not be questioned. This time they have opened the process to include public submissions: so they want your input!
This is the opportunity to make our point loud and clear: nuclear weapons possession must be questioned – and we can explain the reasons why. Please submit your input. Feel free to draft your own response, or a template reply can be found at the CND website at http://www.cnduk.org/cnd-media/item/2233.
National Demonstration at Tory Party Conference in Manchester
4th October
Assemble 11:30am
The TUC is organising a national demonstration against austerity at the Tory party conference in Manchester, and CND will be bringing the Scrap Trident message to the demo. We hope you can make it! Please look at the CND website, or give us a call, for more information.
Programme for the day:
11:30am: Assemble at All Saints Park on Oxford Road
1:00pm: Opening rally
1:30pm: March through the city on a route that circles the Conference Centre, ending at Deansgate/Whitworth St for coach pick-ups
Whether you plan to attend or not, please click ‘going’ on the Facebook page to help spread the word about the demo! And please remember to invite all your friends!
CND Lobby of Parliament
Mark your calendars for CND’s lobby of Parliament on 4th November. As we will be close to a possible parliamentary decision on whether or not to replace Trident, the theme will be No Trident Replacement. So start preparing your arguments to bring to your MPs on what is going to be a brilliant day of people-powered political persuasion!

Edinburgh CND will be leafletting outside Edinburgh Mela (Leith Links) on Sunday 30th from 12 to 2pm. Big Sandy will be there: do come along to help.

STOP PRESS: The Sunday Herald is reporting that George Osborne is due to visit Faslane today (Monday). The visit is expected to be first thing in the morning, as he is due in Aberdeen later

Militarisation of Children and Young People 31 August, 2015 6 – 7:30pm St John’s Church Hall Tickets £5 here or from Just Festival Box Office at There has been growing discomfort around increasing levels of promotion of the military and ‘military ethos’ among children and young people. Does the military have a place in schools? What kind of character do we want our children and young people to build? Is there a justification for recruiting children to the armed services?
David Gee, author of Spectacle, Reality, Resistance: Confronting a Culture of Militarism and co-founder of Forces Watch talks and Mairi Campbell Jack, Quaker Parliamentary LIason talk with former Officer Cadet Second Leiutenant Ryan Mounsey.

100 years of Women Campaigning for Peace: Out of the Blue Drill Hall 36 Dalmeny Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 8RG Exhibition – 4th – 23rd September Wool Against Weapons Scotland and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
Radical Creatives’ Café Saturday 5th Sept 2-5pm Taking inspiration from the above exhibition • Crochet a white poppy • help re-purpose some of the wool against weapons pink scarves into blankets for refugees or others in need • knit some peace bunting for Faslane fence • hatch another radical knitting/crochet plan • sing whilst you craft • take part in a songwriting workshop with Penny Stone 2-3.30pm (£5 donation or what you can afford) Please bring wool, knitting needles and other crafting materials Film evening Monday 14th September 7-9pm Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and Wool Against Weapons Scotland invite you to a Film evening showing • These Dangerous Women – an inspiring short documentary starring WILPF UK members, about the women who tried to stop World War 1. • Wool Against Weapons – short films and video clips of the 7 mile peace scarf created in 2014 Songs from Protest in Harmony and Wildfire

This months Drone’s Network News is now available: website here. ScottishCND also have an update http://www.banthebomb.org

Meetings: Scrap Trident Tuesday 18th Peace and Justice Centre 6.30pm, EdinburghCND Monday 7th September 6pm at ACE and Scottish Peace Network week beginning 21st September (also at P and J)

The Trade Union Congress has called for a large demonstration on Sunday 4th October to mark the start of the Conservative Party Conference.
Greater Manchester & District CND is coordinating a CND / Scrap Trident bloc during the demo. I will circulate more details in due course.

While Tony Blair was branded a warmonger by Avi Shlaim at the Edinburgh Book Festival
https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/news/tony-blair-branded-a-warmonger-by-avi-shlaim-at-the-book-festival
CND (UK) welcomed Corbyn Iraq apology
CND Chair Dave Webb said:

“As a coalition partner in the anti-war protests against the Iraq invasion in 2003, CND welcomes Jeremy Corbyn’s statement today.

“The Iraq war was immoral and illegal. As is now painfully clear, the humanitarian catastrophe the anti-war movement predicted became a reality, with hundreds of thousands dead and many more made victims of injury and poverty.

“An apology will signal an important break from the disastrous wars carried out under the banner of the War on Terror and help prevent future wars.
CND General Secretary Kate Hudson said:

“CND still believes that former Prime Minister Tony Blair should stand trial for his actions. The hundreds of thousands killed in an illegal invasion, and the continuing bloodshed, is what Blair will be remembered for. He must not be allowed to avoid responsibility for the sorrow and devastation caused by his war lies.”
p.s. CND is still asking for donations! (see their website)

CND Vice Chair and Labour leader contender Jeremy Corbyn will be in Edinburgh on Friday (14th). SCND are planning to leaflet, possibly with Big Sandy and CiNDy, before the start of the meeting in the EICC. The plan is to be there for around 12.45 pm. Please join us. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament has welcomed Labour leadership front-runner Jeremy Corbyn’s plan for a Defence Diversification Agency to redeploy the high-skilled workforce in the nuclear weapons sector, following a decision not to replace Trident. Jeremy used a speech at the annual CND Hiroshima commemoration in London to launch the policy which sets out how transitioning jobs away from nuclear weapons into “more socially productive industries” would “protect jobs and skills” and “help grow the British economy”. Of the four candidates standing for the Labour leadership, Jeremy is the only one committed to voting against Trident replacement when the issue comes before Parliament, expected in 2016. In his policy document, published yesterday, Jeremy reaffirms the “moral duty, and strategic defence and international commitments” Britain has to make the world a safer place. Commenting on the policy document, Kate Hudson, CND General Secretary said: “As the only anti-Trident leadership contender, Jeremy Corbyn is not only giving a voice to the many Labour members who oppose nuclear weapons but is also setting out practical plans to transition the high-skilled workforce away from nuclear weapons production. A Britain without nuclear weapons will contribute to a more peaceful world – and one that can build a sustainable, high-skilled economy with secure, socially productive jobs.” Labour CND has repeated its call for a strong anti-Trident voice to be heard in the vote. Walter Wolfgang, Vice-Chair of Labour CND said: “The Jeremy Corbyn campaign has given a voice to the millions who oppose Trident. People are being inspired to engage with the debate and are backing Jeremy as the candidate vowing not to spend £100 billion on nuclear weapons. The campaign goes from strength to strength but Jeremy can’t win without your support.

Reminder: 2 Hiroshima Exhibitions still ongoing:

1. Humanity and the A-Bomb 6 – 20 August, daily Mondays 9:30 am – 9:30 pm Tuesdays 12:30 pm – 6 pm, 8 pm – 9:30 pm Wednesdays 9:30 am – 7:30 pm Thursdays 9:30 am – 1 pm Fridays 9:30 am – 9:30 pm Saturdays 9:30 am – 2 pm Sundays 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm Leith Community Education Centre 12A New Kirkgate, EdinburghAn ongoing exhibition featuring photography and art by survivors of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Free This exhibition contains several graphic images. Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult.

2. WMD Awareness, an organisation focusing on getting young people involved in the debate about nuclear weapons in the UK, through building skills and creating exciting opportunities alongside the young people we work with.
This August (6th-20th) they are hosting a two-week long exhibition called ‘Stop Worrying and Start to Love the Bomb?’ which will look at the major incidents in the history of nuclear weapons and their impact on popular culture around the world. It will be hosted at the Gayfield Centre and of course will fall during the Edinburgh Festival (please note the ESTW meeting planned for this venue has had to be moved)

Addition on 14th: nuclear explosions on a world map http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2015/aug/14/nuclear-weapon-detonation-hiroshima-nagasaki-trinity-1945-world-map-video?CMP=share_btn_tw

CND has reiterated its full support for the families of British soldiers killed in Iraq, as they today announce they are threatening to take legal action against Sir John Chilcot, who is leading the inquiry into the conflict. CND’s General Secretary Kate Hudson said: ‘It is no wonder that the families who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Iraq War are frustrated and angry by the delays to the inquiry. The Chilcot Inquiry has been years in the making and the foot-dragging must stop.

This months Peace and Justice Centre newsletter is available http://peaceandjustice.org.uk and so are this months SCND Exec minutes. Assistant Co-ordinator, Flavia Tudoreanu has put Bairns not Bombs into action and we are delighted to announce there is a new peace baby. Flavia’s daughter Sophie was born on the 27th July , weighing 7lb 10oz ( 3480g)

The Walkatjurra walkabout in Australia starts this week and John Pilger gave a talk in Edinburgh on Sunday 9th. Here is a shortened version of the talk which was used by the Australian Times:
http://www.australiantimes.co.uk/journalist-john-pilger-packs-a-full-house-at-edinburgh-festival-fringe/

Events to mark the 70th Anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with atomic and hydrogen bombs and call for UK and world nuclear disarmament took place across Edinburgh and Scotland today. Further events are taking place in coming days and weeks. CNDs Kate Hudson urged that we keep up the pressure into the future.

EdinburghCND supporters were outside theScottish Parliament at 12 noon and there were petals and  paper lanterns floating  on the pond
The annual vigil took place from 6-7 pm on the Mound/Princes Street. We had songs from Protest and Harmony and Callum Baird and words from a number of members. See our Facebook page for more https://www.facebook.com/EdinburghCND

On Saturday EdinburghCND will be at the East End of Princes Street at 1230 and Trident Ploughshares have a vigil on the High Street from1-5pm.

Starting at 8:15am today Ellen Moxley, 80, of Trident Ploughshares began a four day fast outside the Scottish Parliament which will finish at 12 noon on 9th August outside the Scottish Parliament. Ellen was one of the Trident Three who dumped £80,000 worth of computer equipment as part of the Trident nuclear weapons system into Loch Long in 1999 and was
awarded the Right Livelihood Award in 2001 and the Gandhi Foundation Peace Award in 2004. She will be outside the Scottish Parliament for some of the time in between. This is part of an international fast taking place in France, the US and other countries as well as London, Glasgow and elsewhere in the UK.

Two exhibitions opened today. The Launch of the “Stop Worrying and Learn to Love the Bomb? Exhibition is at 6:30pm at 11 Gayfield Square Venue 116 with music and spoken word, featuring Bill Kidd MSP and the comedian
Mark Thomas. The exhibition runs from 6-19 August 10am- 5:30pm.

The “Humanity and the A Bomb” exhibition, organised by Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre and Trident Ploughshsares, opens today at Leith Community Education Centre, 12A Newkirkgate and runs until the 20th of August. The exhibition comprises photographs of the aftermath of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and artwork by survivors with explanatory text. Daily  The exhibition is free and open to the public. [6]

On 8 August there is a screening of the film “X Years Later” a documentary on the exposure of Japanese fishermen to radiation from nuclear testing on the Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands, and the ensuing coverup of the effects. Japanese with English Subtitles. Directed by Hideaki Ito. The film will be followed by discussion led by Edinburgh
Peace and Justice Centre Coordinator Brian Larkin. 5:30 for 6:00 -8:30pm, 11 Gayfield Square, Venue 116. Free Donation requested.

On 9 August there will be a screening of the HBO film “White Light/Black Rain” followed by discussion led by Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre Coordinator Brian Larkin. 5:30-8:30pm, 11 Gayfield Square, Venue 116. Free. Donation requested.