This year marks the 70th anniversary of the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. On 6th August 1945, an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima by US air forces. This was the first time a nuclear weapon had ever been used; it killed up to 180,000 people and destroyed 13 square kilometres of the city. Three days later, a second atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Nagasaki, killing between 50,000 and 100,000 people. Members of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament will mark this 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on Thursday 6th August.

EdinburghCND will be holding 2 events in Edinburgh on Thursday 6th August to mark this anniversary. At 12 noon paper lanterns will be floated in the pond outside the Scottish Parliament. From 6 pm to 7 pm there will be a vigil at the Mound / Princes Street. This is our main event and we invite all our supporters to bring candles, posters, words, songs………. (or just themselves) https://www.facebook.com/events/405131616358532/

A member of Trident Ploughshares will be fasting outside the Scottish Parliament from (early on) 6th to 9th August. Please join her, even if only for a short time.                                                                                                                                         On SATURDAY 8th AUGUST there will be CND leafletting at the East End of Princes Street from 1230 to 1pm and from 1-5pm Trident Ploughshares holding a vigil near the top of the Royal Mile on  from 1-5pm.  There will be SINGING from 1-2pm

Other events (for more details see also earlier newsletter or come along to our meeting on the 3rd at ACE):                           6 – 19 August. 10am – 5:30pm. Stop Worrying and Learn to Love the Bomb Exhibition.11 Gayfield Sq. (Venue 116). EH1 3NT. Saturday 8 August.6 – 8:30pm.  X Years Later. Film & Discussion. Free Event. Retiring Donation.                                         Sunday 9 August. 6 – 8:30pm. White Light / Black Rain. Film & Discussion. Japanese with English subtitles. Free Event. Retiring Donation. Both films at   11 Gayfield Sq (with exhibition) and there is an exhibition of photographs and artwork by survivors of the atomic & Hydrogen bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Leith Community Education Centre
12A Newkirkgate, EH6 6AD Edinburgh (6th-20th)

This major anniversary is likely to be the final one before a renewed debate in the UK on the possession of nuclear weapons as the government approaches a decision point on the replacement of the Trident system – expected in early 2016. In London, a special film screening of the classic anti-nuclear film, The War Game, including a discussion with the film’s original editor Michael Bradsell, on Thursday 6th August. Across the UK events will be organised by local CND groups, See above for Edinburgh events. CND spokespersons are available for interview and the media are invited to contact CND to discuss covering this important anniversary in light of the major decision on Trident replacement.    See http://www.cnduk.org for more details of these events                                   MPs remember Hiroshima – will you join in? Members of Parliament took time before the recess to take part in a CND Hiroshima commemoration. You can see the photos on our facebook page. Will you take part? Take a photo of yourself with a No More Hiroshimas poster and upload it onto facebook or twitter, using the hashtag #nomorehiroshimas.

15 minute Radio 4 broadcast on the Hiroshima bomb  Under the Mushroom Cloud http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b063zt9r  and The ‘sanitised narrative’ of Hiroshima’s atomic bombingb By Rupert Wingfield-Hayes BBC News http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-33754931

Labour leadership election Momentum is building behind CND Vice-Chair Jeremy Corbyn’s campaign to become leader of the Labour party, with Unison becoming the latest trade union to endorse his candidacy. As Jeremy is the only candidate opposed to Trident replacement, Labour CND is asking you to consider becoming a Registered Supporter of the Labour Party so that you can vote for him. If you are a member of an affiliated trade union this is free, otherwise it will cost £3. The closing date for registering is August 12 and full details are available on the Labour CND website. See also http://jeremycorbyn.org.uk/

Philosophy Football Tshirt for CND To mark the 70th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombings, Philosophy Football have teamed up with CND to launch an exclusive T-shirt. All profits come to CND, so buy yours today and help us raise £1,000 for the campaign against Trident replacement! Just £19.99, but you can help us raise more by buying yours at the solidarity price of £24.99. Order your T-shirt online or call 01273 472 721

UK Nuclear News No.76 August 2015 is now available for downloading here: http://www.no2nuclearpower.org.uk/nuclearnews/NuClearNewsNo76.pdf

The next meeting of the Scottish Peace Network will take place on Tuesday, August 4 at 7pm in Glasgow at the Friends Meeting House. This is located at 38 Elmbank Crescent, opposite the Charing Cross train station. They will be discussing and planning for events in the coming months.

John Pilger will be appearing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on Sunday August 9th at the Assembly Rooms. Journalist, film-maker and author, John Pilger is one of only two to win British journalism’s highest award twice. For his documentary films, he has won an Emmy and a BAFTA. His epic Cambodia Year Zero is ranked by the BFI as one of the ten most important documentaries of the 20th century. http://arfringe.com/show/2095/john_pilger_power_And_propaganda_%28q_and_a%29

Documentary about Dr Kissinger It’s narrated by Scottish actor Brian Cox:
The Trials Of Henry Kissinger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwGtctUYhRI

In Australia: With less than a month to go now, its time to start getting ready for the Walkatjurra Walkabout:

We will be holding 2 events in Edinburgh on Thursday 6th August to mark the 70th anniversary of the destruction of Hiroshima by an atomic bomb. At 12 noon paper lanterns will be floated in the pond outside the Scottish Parliament. From 6 pm to 7 pm there will be a vigil at the Mound / Princes Street. This is our main event and we invite all our supporters to bring candles, posters, words, songs………. (or just themselves)

In addition (1) a new exhibition by the WMD Awareness programme will be launched at 6 pm on 6th August in the Gayfield Venue,http://www.gayfield.co.uk/venues/ and

(2) Some people in Edinburgh(and other parts of Scotland) are interested in participating in a worldwide fast on 6th to 9th Aug. Contact us at edinburghCND@yahoo.com for more information on any of these events (see news section for more events)

(3) X Years Later Japanese with English Subtitles Directed by Hideaki Ito Award winning Film screening and discussion. Free Event. Donation requested on door. 8th August 6 – 8:30pm. Gayfield Venues (Venue 116) 11 Gayfield SquareEdinburgh EH1 3NT https://www.facebook.com/events/1455290394773637/

(4)White Light / Black Rain 9th August 6 – 8:30pm. also at Venue 116 Free Event. Donation requested on door. To mark the 70th Anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki we are showing this HBO documentary film, directed by Steven Okazaki. Features interviews with fourteen Japanese survivors and four Americans involved in the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  Free. Donation requested on door. Book tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2024571Jointly organised by Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre and Edinburgh CND with WMD Awareness. Guests arriving early can view the interactive Stop Worrying and Learn to Love the Bomb exhibition organised by WMD Awareness. https://www.facebook.com/events/428452880688475/

(5) Join the rally for The Big Ride send off in Edinburgh! Speakers: Dr Mona El Farra (from Gaza); Claudia Beamish (MSP and Chair of the Palestine CPG) plus others. Come and welcome the riders as they start their epic 435 mile capital-to-capital ride that aims to raise essential funds for Gaza’s children, as well as creating awareness across the UK of the Palestinian struggle.

Other News

1. There is a petition to ask Ian Murray Edinburgh MP (and Scotland’s remaining Labour MP) to stick with his anti trident committment. https://www.change.org/p/ian-murray-mp-stand-up-against-trident?just_created=true

2.The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament has condemned UK air strikes in Syria. These strikes have been carried out despite the House of Commons vote in August 2013 against extending air strikes to Syria by a majority of 13. While David Cameron and Michael Fallon have both expressed support for extending the scope of the current mission, no parliamentary mandate has been sought. Fallon recently confirmed that the Government “will need to return to Parliament for approval if we propose to undertake air strikes against ISIL in Syria”.

3. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament has also welcomed a final deal on Iran’s nuclear programme. Long in the making, the agreement comes after 17 days of intensive negotiation between Iran and the P5 states plus Germany. The deal follows more than a decade of tensions over claims by a number of countries that Iran’s nuclear programme has been a cover for the development of nuclear weapons. Iran has always insisted that this claim is false. Under the details of the agreement, which runs to over 150 pages of text, Iran will accept restrictions on its nuclear programme but in return harsh economic sanctions will be eased.

4. Edinburgh Stop the War Monthly Meeting 7.30pm Monday 20 JulyQuaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, EH1 2JL Richard Haley from Scotland Against Criminalising Communities will speak on the new Prevent legislation and we will be also discussing campaigning against the governments move back into direct military intervention in Iraq and Syria

5. Forgiveness Workshops Monday–Friday, 27–31 July from 10am–12noon. Salisbury Centre, EH16 5AB All welcome regardless of ability to pay. Suggested Donation for 5 mornings: £20 waged/ £10 unwaged. An opportunity for community members to share our stories with each other. Emily Berry, Director of B3W Performance Group (New York) will also present forgiveness practices for our daily lives. Emily is collecting stories from diverse communities globally & will draw on these in creating a performance piece that will premiere in New York in 2016. Participants can choose to participate in the workshops without having their stories referenced in the performance piece. How B3W use stories can be seen in Confined, their previous evening length at: https://vimeo.com/127090551 password: Forgiveness Workshops. For more info or to book a place contact EP&JC on 0131 229 0993 or email contact@peaceandjustice.org.uk or book at http://forgivenessworkshops.bpt.me/ .

6.On the 6th August anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, CND has organised a free screening of the 1965 BBC film, The War Game, in central London. Before MPs return to their constituencies CND will be hosting a photo call in Parliament to give them the chance to join us in marking Hiroshima Day. The photos will then be released in August. Please help us ensure that as many MPs as possible attend this event by asking your MP to come along this Wednesday for a photograph. You can email your MP by clicking here http://act.cnduk.org/lobby/hiroshima

7. The Australian Walkatjurra Walkabout continues: More info at http://www.walkingforcountry.com

8. Drone Campaign News for July is available: see DCN website https://dronecampaignnetwork.wordpress.com

9. Anand Patwardhan’s multi-award-winning documentary feature WAR AND PEACE (Jang aur Aman, 2002) will premier on July 27th 2015. We hope it might be shown in Edinburgh’s Take One Action film festival in Autumn

10. The documentary ‘X-years later’ is available on DVD at the peace and Justice Centre from its distribution company called Ukky production in Tokyo. The film itself was made by Director Hideaki Ito and its team in Nankai Broadcasting.

11. ACTINIC Exhibition open daily from Monday 29 June – 09 August 2015, 11am – 6pm Stills is delighted to be participating in the first ACTINIC festival and to be showcasing the work of Takashi Arai in an intimate exhibition of images from his acclaimed Daily D-Type series. This exhibition represents the first time that Arai’s work has been shown in Scotland and his first solo exhibition in the UK. Beginning in 2010, when he first became interested in nuclear issues, Arai has used the daguerreotype technique to create individual records-micro-monuments of his encounters with surviving crew members, and the salvaged hull, of the fallout-contaminated Daigo Fukuryumaru fishing boat, records that touch upon the fragmented reality of events in the past. This project led him to photograph the deeply interconnected subjects of Fukushima, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki.

12. Vanunu Campaign Update:  Mordechai has now been able to pay the legal costs awarded against him after losing his libel action, some years ago, against Yediot Aharonot. Thanks to a good response to appeals sent out by us and Mordechai the £6,750 was raised and paid without too much delay. It is also the most excellent news that Mordechai has just got married to his Norwegian girlfriend, Kristin Joachimsen, a professor at the school of Theology in Oslo. The ceremony took place in a Jerusalem church before a small group of some of his brothers and friends. We sent our congratulations and very best wishes to Mordechai and Kristin. However, if you wish to send a message to Mordechai his email is: vanunuvmjc@gmail.com We are now proposing to hold a vigil outside the Israeli Embassy on October 10th, the Saturday closest to Mordechai’s birthday on Oct. 13th (to celebrate his release from Jail). It would most likely be for two hours, 12 noon to 2pm, as we did last year. The Norwegian parliament had discussed his case on June 3rd. It was made clear, at that debate, by the minister Vidar Helgesen, that if Mordechai or his wife made an application for an emergency passport or asylum the application would be seriously considered.

Edinburgh CND will be leafletting on Saturday 11th July 1230 at the East End of Princes Street.

We have a number of events planned on and around 6th August (Hiroshima day). Watch this space.

Other News:

Ask your MP to join those backing CNDs EDM The Government is currently undertaking a Strategic Defence and Security Review to set priorities for defence spending. Trident replacement is not being included, but more than 70 MPs have signed EDM 73 urging the Government to ensure that Trident is considered at this stage. We expect MPs to vote on Trident replacement in 2016. It is vital that as many MPs as possible join our call for the SDSR to include a review of Trident so that the changing international security situation and ongoing cuts across government departments can be considered. Please join the hundreds of people who have already contacted their MP and ask yours to sign EDM 73 by clicking http://act.cnduk.org/lobby/edm73

CND has also urged MPs to learn the lessons from recent military actions following Defence Secretary Michael Fallon’s support for extending military action against ISIL to Syria. CND has warned that military action would be opposed by the public and that MPs should be afforded a full opportunity to debate and vote on any proposal. CND spokesperson Kate Hudson warned, ‘Recent history shows that US and UK military action in the Middle East and North Africa has been ill-conceived, leading to death and destruction for innocent civilians, and shattered states – both of which were abandoned by their attackers – where terrorists including ISIL have since been able to organise’. ‘It is welcome that the new Conservative chairs of both the Defence and Foreign Affairs Committees, Julian Lewis and Crispin Blunt – who both voted against military action in Syria in 2013 – have warned against such action today, and identified the need for a regional solution. Their approach recognises the problems created by UK military action and chimes with public opinion which opposes further military action. ‘

‘MPs clearly voted against military action in Syria in 2013 and the Prime Minister accepted that decision at the time. He must afford MPs the same rights to scrutinise and vote on authorisation of such action in this Parliament.’ ‘We bombed ISIL into existence. We can’t bomb them out of existence.’

Labour Leadership election
After securing 35 nominations and a place on the Labour leadership ballot paper, CND Vice-Chair Jeremy Corbyn MP has been taking his anti-Trident stance to hustings events around the country. The BBC report of the first event in Stevenage reported that Jeremy “received some of the warmest responses from the audience as he spelled out his “moral” opposition to renewing Trident”.

NuClear News No.75 July 2015 is now available for downloading here: http://www.no2nuclearpower.org.uk/nuclearnews/NuClearNewsNo75.pdf

July edition of the Peace and Justice Newsletter is now available: http://peaceandjustice.org.uk

Next meeting of Scrap Trident is Friday 10th July in Glasgow. Next meeting of Don’t Bank on the Bomb group is Tuesday 11 August 3:30pm at the Peace and Justice Centre and a Scottish PeaceNetwork meeting is being planned.

EdinburghCND meeting Monday 6th July 6pm at ACE 17 W Montgomery Pl, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH7 5HAWe have quite a bit of forward planning to undertake:

other news:

1.There will be a meeting of the Don’t Bank on the Bomb Working Group Tuesday 30th June 4:30pmat the Edinburgh Peace & Justice Centre . They need a few more people.

2. TEN YEARS ON FROM MAKE POVERTY HISTORY with Professor DAVID MILLER GILLIAN WILSON 7 pm, Thursday 2 July, Augustine Church, George 4th Bridge, Edinburgh chaired by Sarah Boyack MSP for Lothians . On 2 July 2005 over 200,000 people marched in Edinburgh under the banner of Make Poverty History in response to the presence of the G8 summit in Gleneagles, Ten years on we’ve certainly not made poverty history! What can we take from 2005 and the decade of organisation and struggle that has followed? What are the priorities for organising for social justice in 2015? Come, learn, contribute your thoughts and experiences      If you have photos, banners or anything else from the events 10 years ago: please bring them along. CND were there. Professor David Miller, who was involved in the G8 Alternatives conference; and Gillian Wilson of NIDOS (Network of International Organisations in Scotland will introduce the discussion FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/events/1434632266846217/ ADVANCE NOTICE: EDINBURGH WORLD JUSTICE FESTIVAL 2015 will run from 2 – 11 October

3. Former Navy Commander backs Trident Whistleblower un 28, 2015 — Rob Green, a former Commander in the Royal Navy, has praised the Trident Whistleblower, William McNeilly, for his “courageous action”. He said “the RN is out of its depth operating… Read more

4. Opposition to spending £100 billion on Trident replacement in the context of cuts elsewhere was heard loud and clear in demonstrations across the country on Saturday. Now we have to follow up this expression of people power with real pressure on our elected members. MPs have tabled EDM 73 calling for Trident to be included in the current Strategic Defence and Security Review. With MPs due to vote on Trident replacement next year it is vital that the changing international security situation and cost implications are considered in detail, especially at a time of continuing cuts in other government departments. Ask your MP to sign the EDM by clicking http://act.cnduk.org/lobby/edm73 Protesters gathered in Liverpool, Glasgow and London on Saturday to demonstrate against the government’s spending cuts. At these protests, CND highlighted the obscenity of spending £100 billion on new weapons of mass destruction when essential services face deep cuts. Have a look at the great photos from Scotland and London on facebook. Thanks to everyone who came along, donated money (to the fundraiser) and made sure the Scrap Trident message was heard loud and clear!

5 Scottish CND is developing a list of SNP CND members. SNP CND is a specialist section of Scottish CND and works within the SNP to promote nuclear disarmament. If you are a member of the SNP and would like to be added to the SNP CND list, please contact SCND

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

7. The Walkatjurra Walkabout is starting August 16th and this year it’s our 5th Anniversary! We have achieved so much since this chapter in the struggle for a nuclear free future started in 2011 at North Pool outside of Wiluna.

9. Armed Forces Day on 27 June in Edinburgh, meet s at 11am at Friends Meeting House on Victoria Terrace 11am.

1. Two events on Saturday 20th June that  we are supporting: A. Midday at George Square, Glasgow – rally against austerity organised by the STUC. Join the Scrap Trident contingent. Look out for the big banner. B. Unsung Heroes: Celebrating Conscientious Objectors Fundraiser for a CO memorial in Edinburgh. 7:30pm. Saturday 20 June. Pleasance Cabaret Bar. With Margaret Bennett – Christine Kydd – Scott Murray -Protest In Harmony – Norman Lamont & Fiona Thom Lisa Rigby & Penny Stone. Tickets now just £10/ £7 or pay what you can from comemorial.bpt.me or from the Peace and Justice Centre 2. Videos of all the speakers at the recent edinburgh stop the war public meeting are now online: Moazzam Begg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KFr8Vr1W4gSafeena Rashid: https://youtu.be/A_BmgdVT5z4Lindsey German: https://youtu.be/aoxLY0N3oBA 3. #TridentWhistleblower given dishonourable discharge. He could have left on Service No Longer Required if he admitted he was wrong. 4. CND has slammed Pentagon plans to scrap a Cold war-era treaty and deploy nuclear missiles in Europe. Reports emerged over the weekend that the US government is considering this option as part of a review of its policy towards Russia in response to the situation in Ukraine. In response, the UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond did not rule out these weapons coming to Britain. CND General Secretary Kate Hudson said: ‘Frankly, these proposals are a disaster, which would risk the lives of millions of people. The US government seems intent on harking back to Cold War means of resolving their disputes, rather than pursue diplomatic methods. 5. CND congratulates our Vice-Chair Jeremy Corbyn on his nomination for leader of the Labour Party. Jeremy received 35 endorsements from MPs, meaning that he will proceed to the ballot for leader alongside Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall. CND General Secretary Kate Hudson said: ‘Jeremy stands four square against Trident and its replacement and his nomination will now ensure that this issue takes a central place in the forthcoming leadership debates. This is a vital moment for the Labour Party and for the country as a whole. Jeremy Corbyn speaks for a huge progressive constituency in the UK, with a majority of the population firmly against Trident. After the obliteration of Labour’s traditional heartland vote in Scotland – largely on the Trident issue – this is a debate that Labour cannot afford to ignore. Jeremy4leaderCampaignGroup on facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/389930804526606/ ) 6. The Walkatjurra walk is all set for 16th August to take off in a bus from Perth (Australia) and you can print out flyers here: https://walkingforcountry.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/walkatjurra-walkabout-2015.pdf 7. The Scrap Trident Coalition are considering the idea of regular ‘bookable’ tours of the base, letting people see what goes on and what can be seen from the various viewpoints near Faslane and hearing some direct action stories at the places where they took place. It would also involve getting an introduction to the Peace Camp and finding out what kind of support is needed to keep it going. On Sunday, 14th June there was a Pilot Tour to help shape up the idea. Make Tea Not Bombs Sunday June 28th Trident Ploughshares invites you for a cup of tea and a chat about resisting Trident in Glasgow followed by a trip out to Faslane for a wee look at the home of “the bomb” and another cuppa at Faslane Peace Camp. We particularly welcome people who are new to anti-Trident campaigning and want to find out a bit more about it. Trident Ploughshares has been going since 1998 and the Peace Camp has been there since 1982 and between us we have a lot of experience and stories of taking action at Faslane which we would love to share. We will meet in Glasgow at 2pm and make a few quick banners over a chat and a cuppa. Then we will pile into cars to go out to Faslane at around 3pm, arriving at 4pm. We can hang our banners at the North gate (where the vigil takes place every Wednesday) for a wee bit and then dander on down to the Peace Camp for a look at the World’s oldest Peace Camp. We will be back in Glasgow by 7pm (or earlier if you need to be) If you would like to join us please e-mail tp2000@gn.apc.org for more details and tell us if you have your own transport or need a lift. Public transport is an option if we don’t have enough cars. And last but certainly not least HAPPY BIRTHDAY Faslane Peace Camp – 33 years old today!! It’s heartbreaking that the camp still needs to be there but amazing that people have kept such a symbol of resistance to the UKs nuclear weapons going for all that time. The camp will be organising some workshops and visits to the base over the week-end. For updates see their Facebook And if you can’t make it along you could send them a birthday card (and slip a tenner in it). Faslane Peace Camp, Shandon near Rhu, Helensburgh, G84 8HL 8. Drones Campaign Conference: Title: Drones and Forever War – sharing information, building the campaign Date / Time: Saturday 11th July, 10.30am – 4.30pm Location: Friends Meeting House, Euston Road, London. NW1 2BJ More information can be found on the DCN website here.

EdinburghCND will be leafletting at the East End of Princes Street from 1230 on Sat 13th June. We will then join SCND at the Leith Festival

Scottish CND will have a stall at the Leith Festival on Saturday (13 June) in Leith Links. We will arrive at 10.30 am and set up the stall around 11.30 am. It is likely to be busiest in the afternoon, 1 pm to 4 pm. We will be coming through from Glasgow with our two giant puppets, Big Sandy and CiNDy. The stall will have new Bairns not Bombs Tshirts, CND jewellery, tattoos, leaflets etc. Help  appreciated.

6th: ++High winds at the Meadows Festival meant we had to shut down early. We will be back tomorrow (sunday) 11am to close

Meadows Festival – Sat & Sun, 6 – 7 June Edinburgh CND (mega) stall at the Meadows Festival on Saturday and Sunday.  There’ll be plants and second hand books on sale to raise funds plus CND and STW materials as the political part.  Last year it was really successful.  If you can help for anytime between 9 to 5 Saturday and or Sunday please come along. (see previous post for further details)  We will also be at the Leith Festival – Sat, 13 June  Other events this week-end and later

1. Friday 5th June, the Nuclear Free Local Authorities Scotland Forum is holding a special seminar on Trident replacement issues after the UK election. This is being held in the Council Chamber, Renfrewshire House, Paisley from 12.15pm – 2.30pm. The keynote speaker will be Sunday Herald Environment Editor Rob Edwards, who will talk about the allegations made by Able Seaman William McNeilly of the safety and security of Trident submarines, which Rob exclusively broke in the Sunday Herald. Other speakers include CND Scotland Chair Arthur West, Nukewatch Scotland’s Jane Tallents and Bill Kidd MSP.  To attend please email Cathy Birrell, NFLA Scotland Secretary on cathy.birrell@ced.glasgow.gov.uk asap.

2. AUDIENCE INVITATION:The Big Questions will be broadcasting live from The Leith Academy in Edinburgh on Sunday 7^thJune and we’re looking to invite people to be part of our audience.  ABOUT THE BIG QUESTIONS: The Big Questions is the BBC’s flagship live religious, moral and ethical debate show fronted by Nicky Campbell. The show itself features specially invited front-row speakers who have a particular interest, expertise or personal story that relates to one of the week’s debates. These speakers debate in front of a wider studio audience. While we cannot guarantee everyone the opportunity to speak, our audience is sometimes invited to contribute to the discussion too. PRACTICAL DETAILS: We will be recording two episodes in Edinburgh… The first episode will be a live broadcast which requires the audience to be on location at 8:30am on Sunday 7^th June. This will be a more topical programme revolving around the week’s news events. The second episode will be a pre-record which requires the audience to be on location at 12:30pm on Sunday 7^th June. It will eventually go to air on Sunday 14^th June. This will be a special programme revolving around one question – Are nuclear weapons justified? HOW TO APPLY: If anyone would like a seat in our audience, please contact audiencetbq@mentorn.tv or 0141 611 9626. Please include your full name and a contact telephone number.

3. Document Film Festival Spirit of Revolt – Archives of Dissent Scottish Peace Network and the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) Present Two films and a blether for the centenary of the 1915 Rent Strikes
 Pearce Institute, Govan, Glasgow TODAY 4 June 2015, 7pm Free/ donations welcome Refreshments provided.

4. The next meeting of the Scrap trident Coalition will be in Edinburgh at 6.30pm on Tuesday June 9th
It will be in the Edinburgh Peace & Justice Centre, terrace St Johns Church, west end Princes St

5. If you agree that the government has its priorities wrong, join the Scrap Trident bloc on what will be a huge anti-austerity protest in Glasgow on Saturday (am), June 20th 60 thousand people have already confirmed their attendance at 3 demos including London – be a part of this important day!

6. Unsung Heroes: Celebrating Conscientious Objectors Past Present and Future. A Fundraiser for a memorial to Conscientious Objectors and all those who have opposed wars. With Margaret Bennett, Christine Kydd, Fiona Thom & friends, Scott Murray, Protest in Harmony, Lisa Rigby  & Penny Stone. 20 June. The Pleasance Cabaret Bar. Tickets £13/ £8. from comemorial.bpt.me or from the Peace and Justice Centre.

And please sign the petition for a Conscientious Objectors’ Memorial in Edinburgh here. Already over 500 people have signed. The petition closes today, 4 June, so don’t delay!

7. An official march for armed forces day will take place on June 27 at 11am. The march will assemble at 11 am at the Grassmarket and will be marching up to the royal mile and past the National Library and back around to Grassmarket. Suggested assembly at 11 am in front of the National Library with banners and placards.

8. The World Is My Country exhibition and talks. Talk in Edinburgh possibly second half of October.

 OTHER NEWS:

1. Peace & Freedom e-news WILPF Congress & Conference Special Issue now available

2. Scottish CND would like to appoint a part-time Assistant Coordinator to provide maternity leave cover. 

Job title: Temporary Assistant Coordinator 
Salary: £12,477 per annum 
Salary info: 21 hours per week. Fixed term appointment from July 2015 to 31 January 2016
Job Type: Part time
 Closing date: 9 June 2015
Location: Glasgow

Role: 
The purpose of this post is to assist with the administrative work of the Scottish Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.  There will also be a requirement to assist with some campaigning work, in line with the overall strategic direction of Scottish CND as set by the Executive Committee.

3. CND remains unsatisfied with the Ministry of Defence’s response to Trident whistle-blower Able Seaman McNeilly’s allegations, which include claims of negligent security practices and structural inadequacies in Britain’s nuclear weapons system. Less than two weeks after the long list of safety failings were published, the government issued a short statement yesterday (Thursday, May 29th), concluding that ‘most of McNeilly’s concerns proved to be either factually incorrect or the result of mis- or partial understanding’. Minister Penny Mordaunt MP defended the government’s response in a debate later that day on Trident safety, called by the Scottish National Party’s Alex Salmond MP. While Mordaunt was also keen to refute McNeilly’s allegations, she said that further details of the investigation could not be made public for national security reasons.            CND’s General Secretary Kate Hudson said: ‘Looking back at confirmed safety and security incidents in relation to Britain’s nuclear weapons system, the MoD can forgive us for not feeling reassured with their short assessment of submariner McNeilly’s detailed claims.                                                                                   ‘Scottish CND has published a valuable reminder of known dangerous issues with our nuclear weapons system. There is a shortage of staff operating Trident, instances of on-board fires requiring external assistance and there’s even a confirmed incident of British and French nuclear submarines colliding.’While Trident is supposed to keep us safe, it is becoming more and more evident that instead it is a disaster waiting to happen. It is the inherent danger of operating nuclear weapons, as well as the astronomical cost of maintaining them, which is making an increasing amount of the public call for the government to scrap Trident and cancel its replacement.’

Stop press: Band confirmed!

‘Jawbone Walk’, the folk combo who played a set at the stall last year have agreed to play at 12.30 on Saturday at our stall. Their star-studded line up includes K King who played in the legendary all woman ceilidh band Sprangeen a few years ago.

Edinburgh CND’s biggest fundraiser of the year is coming up, our ‘Plants for Peace’ and info stall at the Meadows Community Festival on Saturday and Sunday the 6th and 7th of June. Many of last year’s helpers have committed already for this June, including the band. We start at 10am on Saturday and 11am on Sunday. Finish at 5pm. We will be on pitch N17, that’s North Meadow Walk.

Can you help? Scores of supporters did last year, from those who worked on the stall to those who supplied plants, transport, music, tea, cake, labels and 101 other things that made 2014 such a success. £650 was raised and we plan to do better this year!

How can you help? Here’s a list of who/what are needed: Please contact us, details below, to let us know what you can offer.

WANTED:

People to help on stalls: 4 hour morning or afternoon shifts OR any offers of time gratefully received. Please contact us even if you can only help for a wee while. We are trying to build up a rota.
Plants-from eg tomato seedlings to houseplants to shrubs and trees, they’ll all sell! It would be great if you can bring them along to the stall at the Meadows, but if not we can collect. Wee veg plants seemed to be very popular.

Cut flowers on the day (these sell well)

Empty plant pots of almost any number and size to grow sales stock(we used 100’s last year!) asap!

Any spare bags of growing medium (compost) you may have (we used 100’s of litres last year!) asap!

Plant Labels (lots)

Carrier bags (lots)

Wooden/Plastic crates (to transport the plants and then make display stands from)

We will NOT be selling bric a brac and clothes this year but WILL be selling books.

Books/CD’s/DVD’s (all sorts!)

If anyone wants to donate garden tools, ornaments, seeds, books and suchlike we will have a ‘garden sundries’ stall (and we’ll never turn down bicycles!).

Too busy to take part and don’t have books or anything of garden interest to give?
Please do consider making a donation-it costs £100’s in overheads to put this stall on, a lot to cover, but good value in that we reach thousands of members of the public with our ‘Don’t Replace Trident!’ message.

Thanks in advance for your help, we look forward to hearing from you-Soon!

EP&JC AGM Conscience & Conscientious Objection
Wed 3 June 7 – 9pm. Prof Toby Kelly (Head of Anthropology Edinburgh University.) Dr Lesley Orr (New College, Edinburgh University). St John’s Church Hall. Lothian Rd. Edinburgh.

One World Peace Ceilidh 29 May. 7:30pm – 12midnight Edinburgh Steiner School
£10/£7 from P&J, One World Shop or peaceceilidh.bpt.me  Volunteers needed.

Tuesday 26th May 7.30pm

Stop The War Public Meeting at the Augustine Church, George
4th Bridge: Islamophobia, War and Chaos in the Middle East – the legacy of Bush and Blair. With Moazzam Begg, Lindsey German, Aamer Anwar and Safeena Rashid. Chaired by Zahid Ali

Also the film about the Stop the War movement remains on general release and can be seen at several
venues in EdinburghMore info at http://www.wearemany.com

This weeks big news:

Whistleblower from Trident submarine leaks catalogue of safety and security failings
Report says nuclear weapons could have been detonated through accident and malpractice
Describes Trident as the “biggest threat to the UK” – with a nuclear explosion likely through accident or terrorist attack
Trident is the single biggest threat to UK security. That is the conclusion of a leaked report from submariner William McNeilly, after serving on board HMS Victorious – which is armed with Trident nuclear missiles.
Able Seaman McNeilly is now on the run following his decision to expose what he saw as potentially catastrophic safety and security failings which could cause a nuclear explosion in dock in Faslane, Scotland, or near the UK on patrol.
The report echoes other investigations into nuclear near-misses such as Eric Schlosser’s Command and Control – which uncovered US failings over the past 50 years which almost caused the deaths of millions in US cities.
Please sign the petition to support the Trident Whistleblower, William McNeilly http://chn.ge/1L1u97F
Scottish CND worked with the journalist Rob Edwards to make his story public. McNeilly would be grateful for as much public support as possible and Ask your MP to support the Trident Whistleblower:
22 May 2015 — As a result of the problems with nuclear submarines exposed by William McNeilly, there will be a debate on the safety of Trident in the House of Commons on Thursday 28 May. Please contact your MP to ask them to take action http://bit.ly/whistleMP
Libby Brooks of the Guardian was trying to find out more about where William McNeilly is being held. In her article she says he is held by Navy Police at a military establishment in Scotland, but not Faslane. This could be one of the Edinburgh barracks – Redford or Glencorse? He was detained at Edinburgh airport. A query is out for other suggestions.
Libby’s article suggests he might be moved to England later. It looks like he is facing a charge of absence (AWOL) rather than breach of Official Secrets Acts.
http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/may/19/mod-accused-avoiding-public-scrutiny-trident-whistleblower-claims?CMP=share_btn_tw

REMINDER: Saturday 23rd May PEOPLE’S CLIMATE ASSEMBLY Saturday 23 May 2015, from 9:45 to 16:45 (BST) St. Thomas of Aquin’s High School, Edinburgh (EH3)A ONE DAY FREE EVENT FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS THROUGHOUT SCOTLAND. Come to the War, Peace and conflict Workshop.

The Big Debate is finishing its series in Edinburgh this year with a one hour special debating nuclear weapons recording on the afternoon of Sunday 7th of June, with transmission the following Sunday on the 14th on BBC1. Unlike the usual live shows which deal with three questions, this will focus on one topic only, which will be the morality and effectiveness of nuclear weapons. They haven’t decided on exact wording, but we will be looking into a large number of issues; CASD, replacement of trident, morals and ethics of nuclear weapons.

The general election outcome – a narrow majority for the Conservative Party – was unexpected and diasppointing for many of us who felt that a minority Labour government would provide more opportunities for a change in policy on Trident replacement. But on a positive note, since the election there has been an upsurge in protest and street activity and there is every indication that there is a strong anti-Trident contingent of new MPs in parliament – from the SNP and other parties too.
Trident will remain a significant factor in British politics as we approach a 2016 decision on whether or not it should be replaced. We are working in a different political context from the one we were anticipating, but there are many possibilities, both inside and outside parliament for stepping up anti-nuclear campaigning.
CND will continue lobbying all MPs and will arrange a parliamentary lobby day in the autumn. We’ll continue our economic message (especially in light of the anti-Tory cuts protest expected), which will be supplemented by a strong security argument against nuclear weapons.
As well as developing international contacts, who can help their countries put pressure on the British government, we will also aim to build our membership and increase fundraising.
There’s plenty for us to do. It’s never been more important for us to stand together. If you have any ideas or suggestions on CND’s campaigning work, I would welcome hearing them (kate.hudson@cnduk.org). And don’t forget to come along to CND Annual conference in October. One of the days will be for strategy discussion across the anti-nuclear movement so please join us.
Scrap Trident bloc at the End Austerity Now demonstration
The STUC is arranging a massive anti-austerity demonstration on Saturday, June 20th, at which tens of thousands of people are expected.
New trade union briefing
CND has always worked closely with trade unions and will once again be attending various conferences this year to increase support for the Scrap Trident campaign. We have also published a new attractive four page leaflet on why trade unions say No to Trident. Get in touch (sara.medi.jones@cnduk.org) if you would like to order copies to take to your local trade union gathering.

The Drone Campaign Network’s May 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. Please forward this email on to anyone who may be interested. To receive our monthly email newsletter, sign up via our website here.

Scottish Christians Against Nuclear Arms (SCANA) are holding their annual Witness for Peace at Faslane on Saturday 23 May 2015 at the North Gate of Faslane Naval Base from 12 noon. It is an opportunity to sing, pray for peace, keep silence and take a symbolic action against Trident. This is an ecumenical event for all ages. The Wild Geese will lead the singing and there will be contributions from speakers, including Sally Foster Fulton, Secretary of the Church and Society Committee of the Church of Scotland. Meeting at 12 noon for worship and ending with a picnic.

A protest is planned for armed forces day on June 27. The official march will be leaving from an assembly point near Edinburgh castle at 11am.

EVENT

The film ‘These Dangerous Women’  will be shown in Edinburgh on Monday 18 May 2015 at 7.30 pm at

Augustine Centre Studio, George IV Bridge, EH1 1EL : you can book a place online: http://bit.ly/1Dg66kA. Or Just come along. The doors will be open at 7pm to give time to look at the photograph exhibition of WILPF women and events in WILPF’s 100 years of working for peace.

The film tells the story of some of the British women who travelled to International Women’s Congress at The Hague in April 1915.  It reviews the relationship between the women’s involvement in the suffrage movement and their desire for a negotiated settlement in place of war to resolve international disputes. There will be Q&A with Film Director from 8 pm.

At the end of May  350.org Australia are running a week of national actions. Right now, Indian mining giant Adani is calling upon The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) to help them finance the Abbot Point coal port in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The port would be the largest in the world, opening up 9 new mega coal mines in Australia for export around the world. The action will last about 15-30 minutes and will be held at 6pm on Wednesday 20th May, with the aim to get photos to run in Australia the following Thursday. https://www.facebook.com/events/356472267882534/

Month of Conscientious Objector Events 15 May 5 – 6:30pm. Conscientious Objectors Day Vigil We will gather on the Mound to honour Conscientious Objectors wars, past and present. 

Scotland action to stop coal on the Great Barrier Reef Wednesday, May 20 at 6:00pm
36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh EH2 2AD, UK

Tuesday 26th May 7.30pm Stop The War Public Meeting at the Augustine Church, George 4th Bridge: Islamophobia, War and Chaos in the Middle East – the legacy of Bush and Blair.  With Moazzam Begg, Lindsey German, Aamer Anwar and Safeena Rashid

We Are Many is a feature film documenting the antiwar movement. Now going on general release with a simultaneous launch ay 8pm on 21 May across the UK which includes 4 Edinburgh Cinemas: Cameo + Vue + Odeon + Cineworld 

There’s  face book event at https://www.facebook.com/events/901170849934780/ and also details on www.edinburghstw.tumblr.com

OneWorld Peace Ceilidh Edinburgh Steiner School.60 Spylaw Road. Friday 29th May.7:30pm til midnight. Clapshot Ceilidh Band Protest in Harmony Voice Box Theatre Poets. Raffle, Bar & food.Tickets £10 /(£7

from peaceceilidh.bpt.me

OTHER NEWS

The spectacular gains of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the general election are a stark indicator of opposition to the UK’s Trident nuclear weapons system, which is based in Scotland, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament has said.

The meteoric rise of the anti-Trident SNP has seen their number grow from 6 MPs in the previous parliament to 56 MPs, in an unprecedented election which saw swings of almost 40% to the SNP in some seats. This huge influx comes ahead of the final vote on whether or not to replace Britain’s ageing nuclear weapons system, expected in early 2016.

After an election campaign which was dominated by the question of Trident, CND’s Kate Hudson described last night’s result as a ‘reality check’ for those in favour of spending an estimated £100bn to replace the UK’s four nuclear-armed submarines.

The general election outcome – a narrow majority for the Conservative Party – was unexpected. In the days since the election, there has been an upsurge in protest and street activity.

Trident will remain a significant factor as we approach a 2016 decision on whether or not it should be replaced. We are working in a different political context from the one we were anticipating, but there are many possibilities, both inside and outside parliament for stepping up anti-nuclear campaigning. new petition against Trident 

On the day of the election the Daly Record had a 4-page spread on Trident and an editorial saying “£100 billion wasted on a pointless threat”

NuClear News No.74 May 2015 is now available for downloading. www.no2nuclearpower.org.uk/nuclearnews/NuClearNewsNo74.pdf

A memorial service for Margaret Harrison will be held at 1 pm on Saturday 16 May in St Mungo’s Episcopal Church, Main St, Alexandria.

Nepal Appeal: To donate go to peaceandjustice.org.uk and click the Donate Button. Be sure to put Nepal Earthquake Appeal in the Purpose field.

Scottish CND volunteers have been travelling around Scotland with our Vote Out Trident message, helped by our giant puppets Big Sandy and CiNDy.

IN EDINBURGH: Last minute before the election leafleting on Wednesday 6^th May: 5pm at the East End of Princes Street.

Saturday 9th is the 2nd Saturday of the month, so we will be out for some post-election leafleting at 1230 also at the East End of Princes Street.

CND’s General Secretary Kate Hudson has this week assessed the manifestos, the hustings, and then the candidate responses on Trident. She found Trident is a live election issue with all parties publishing clear commitments. But the manifestos don’t necessarily represent the views of candidates.

Scottish CND has created an online database with information on what the candidates and the parties say about nuclear weapons. Find out what the candidates in your constituency think here If you haven’t already done so, you can send them an email on Trident here 

CND has also slammed a pro-Trident letter from military figures to the incoming PM saying that it would be irresponsible folly not to replace Trident.

POST ELECTION EVENTS

Month of Conscientious Objector Events 15 May 5 – 6:30pm. Conscientious Objectors Day Vigil We will gather on the Mound to honour Conscientious Objectors wars, past and present. There will be a meeting of the Scottish Peace Network after at the Peace and Justice Centre. For other P and J events check their website.

The film ‘These Dangerous Women’  will be shown in Edinburgh on Monday 18 May 2015 at 7.30 pm at

Augustine Centre Studio, George IV Bridge, EH1 1EL : you can book a place online: http://bit.ly/1Dg66kA. The doors will be open at 7pm to give time to look at the photograph exhibition of WILPF women and events in WILPF’s 100 years of working for peace.

The film tells the story of some of the British women who travelled to International Women’s Congress at The Hague in April 1915.  It reviews the relationship between the women’s involvement in the suffrage movement and their desire for a negotiated settlement in place of war to resolve international disputes. There will be Q&A with Film Director from 8 pm.

Tuesday 26th May 7.30pm Stop The War Public Meeting at the Augustine Church, George 4th Bridge: Islamophobia, War and Chaos in the Middle East – the legacy of Bush and Blair.  With Moazzam Begg, Lindsey German, Aamer Anwar and Safeena Rashid

In Glasgow: 

Stop Arms sales to Israel May 9^th, The Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP (Map) Registration 9am (£10/£5) – Finish 6pm

Scrap Trident meeting 20th May (more information to follow)