campaign

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CAMPAIGN FOR NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT SUMMER 2011

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, 162 Holloway Rd, London N7 8DQ Tel: 020 7700 2393 Fax: 020 7700 2357 enquiries@cnduk.org www.cnduk.org

Inside
Cut Trident: the price tag just got bigger Nuclear power New film competition Trade Unions

CND

Missile Defence Europe on the frontline Greenham: 30 years of inspiration

Editorial

Action speaks louder than words

As a reality check, we mention elsewhere in this issue that the President has gone about installing US missile defence in Europe in a very different way from his predecessor. His softer approach has actually enabled him to do far more. Last year his administration set the biggest defence budget in history $725 billion at a time of severe financial difficulty. Additionally, although the new arms control (START) treaty with Russia may have resulted in a decrease in the numbers of deployed nuclear weapons, the new 10-year strategic plan for US nuclear weapons revealed that, although the size of the arsenal might shrink, its effectiveness and life span is set to increase. The dismantlement of old nuclear weapons is claimed to show tangible evidence of the US commitment to move towards a world free of nuclear weapons but the nuclear systems retired before 2009 will not now actually be dismantled until 2022. The Pentagon also looks set to develop a new generation of around 100 longrange nuclear bombers by the middle of the next decade they might even be remotely-controlled drones. The US Air Force may already be paying for some of

The US militaryindustrial complex is enormous, reaching deep into every state in the US and it moves relentlessly. Is the most powerful man in the world powerful enough to face down this beast?
the development through its secret $12.6 billion budget. Clearly these are not examples of how to strive for a world without nuclear weapons. And the UK is doing much the same as the US. Our government is stubbornly sticking to plans to spend over 100 billion on replacing Trident with a new nuclear weapons system which, as before, depends deeply on US cooperation. How do we expect other nations to react? The latest figures issued by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) show that there are still over 20,000 warheads in the world. The figures for India and Pakistan are worrying because they are increasing both the number of warheads and the capability of their systems. David Cameron recently defended the increased spending on international aid by saying that British people have a moral duty to help save children in the poorest nations from entirely preventable deaths. Hoorah! Quite right but what about our moral duty to ensure that money is not wasted on threatening people with nuclear weapons? Why dont the UK and US demonstrate to the world that it is not only desirable, but possible, to live without nuclear weapons at all? Now that would be a special relationship worth boasting about.

Dave Webb, CND Chair

hen Obama addressed parliament on his recent visit to the UK, we heard again his powers of oratory as he enthused about times when the UK and US have worked closely together. Its a pity that many of those times have been waging illegal and immoral wars and collaborating on nuclear weapons. Yet he has spoken eloquently before of his vision of a nuclear weapon-free world and this time he stressed how the US and UK share a common interest in stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and how we will meet our own obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and strive for a world without nuclear weapons. Maybe he is sincere, with all good intentions. But fine words are not enough. The US military-industrial complex is enormous, reaching deep into every state in the US and it moves relentlessly. Is the most powerful man in the world powerful enough to face down this beast?

STOP PRESS
News has just broken that the Czech Republic has decided to pull out of US missile 'defence' plans. Apparently it is because they are upset about having their role downgraded. Of course a major reason for this and why Obama changed US missile 'defence' plans in Europe was because of the massive opposition to the radar generated by the people of the Czech Republic. The significance of public protest is often denied by or those in power but we know that it works!

Opinions expressed by authors in Campaign are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the policies of CND.

Competition

Chance of a lifetime
A challenge awaits all budding film makers between 12 and 25 years of age. Bristol CND's Chance of a Lifetime or a Lifetime of Chance short film competition is now open. There are three categories you can enter: School Age 12-16 years, Youth 17-18 years and Young Adult 19-25 years. Films must be between 30-120 seconds and should show what nuclear disarmament means to you. Creativity and originality are more important than quality of production so take a chance, get thinking and get filming (you can even use your mobile phone and don't have to spend hours editing). There's 1,000 of cash prizes and winners will be chosen by Aardman co-founder David Sproxton (famous for Wallace and Gromit films amongst others). The most inventive will also be shown on the big screen at the prize-giving ceremony at Watershed cinema, Bristol. Thomas Dalling's simple, yet striking and humourous film won the prize in last year's Young Adult category. His film and others are well worth a watch see the gallery page at www.thechanceofalifetime.org. Below he tells Campaigns Officer Dawn Rothwell what lay behind his motivations to make the film. What inspired you to enter the competition? TD: The competition seemed like an excellent opportunity to put my film making out there, a chance to have it seen by the likes of Aardman and the possibility it would be shown at a public screening. Before the project I definitely had an interest in peace issues and my own opinions on the nuclear weapons programmes of the world. In making my film, it really did cause me to think about the issue of nuclear disarmament more specifically, rather than simply accepting it as something that has always been there for me, a fact of modern life. Most people see nuclear weapons as a force for bad, but that has not led us close to their removal yet. To find new ways of arguing against nuclear weapons, I feel, is a difficult and very worthy pursuit. What gave you the idea for the film? TD: I wanted to break down the issue of nuclear disarmament into what I see are connections to the prevailing mentalities of those with power. I have often looked upon many of the political ideals that came from conflicts such as the Cold War with interest. I find it almost childish the way people in power run their foreign policies and yet, because they have the backing of governments, their status allows them to do such absurd things and make them appear logical like having nuclear weapons. With my film I tried to bring out this madness, while telling a little story of power in the world today. What got you into film making and what are your aspirations for the future? TD: I have been making films for around five years and am now a graduate filmmaker, having studied Film and Video at Newport University. I love film making because of the potential to create vivid, fictional worlds and unreal spectacles, all the while telling a story. It is a great way to show, not tell and I love it for that. I have recently moved to London and am hoping to carry on my film making. I have no projects on the go at the moment but I am heavily involved in running a new, free independent film magazine, Gorilla Film Magazine. Good luck to all the entrants in this years Bristol CND film competition. The entry deadline is the 30th October 2011 and more than one entry can be submitted. For competition rules and more details see www.thechanceofalifetime.org or email: info@thechanceofalifetime.org.uk

Viewpoint

Greenham: 30 years of inspiration

Sarah Hipperson, Co-ordinator of the Greenham Peace Garden

hirty years ago on the 5th September 1981 a group of 40 marchers (mostly women) from Cardiff arrived at RAF Greenham Common, Berkshire. They were protesting about NATOs decision in December 1979 that 96 US nuclear-tipped Cruise missiles were to be based there. Shortly after arriving the protestors set up the Womens Peace Camp outside the main gate. This inspired action set in motion a protest that gained recognition internationally. The camp remained there continously for 19 years. During the years, the authorities (police, local and central government) were at odds with the womens occupation of the Common and their non-violent direct action protest. After years of evictions and harassment intended to force women off the land had failed, an attempt was made to have them removed through the voting system. A legal challenge was made by an unsympathetic local group which claimed that living on Greenham Common did not amount to residency, therefore the women could not be included on the electoral register, thus could not vote. In 1985, however, the Master of the Rolls in the High Court accepted that receiving mail from the courts as an address for service, and the tenure of the women, had sufficient permanence for each of them to be included on the electoral register. Meanwhile, the Defence Secretary introduced a new set of byelaws which ensured women who were found within the protected area of Greenham Common were arrested, charged and then fined in court. Failure to pay meant imprisonment. Two women, Jean Hutchison and Georgina Smith, appealed against conviction. Their case lasted four years finally ending up in the House of Lords.

Women surrounding the base at Greenham

Photo Ed Barber

There they appeared before five Law Lords who granted their Appeal. The Lords held that the Minister had exceeded his powers in framing the byelaws to prevent access to common land. These two cases established an important development in the MoDs and the authorities responses, and the House of Lords judgement proved crucial. In establishing the permanance of the womens address they were able to stay on the Common until the missiles were removed in 1992 and the land returned to the people in 2000. Looking back on these events there is a clear connection between the removal of the missiles and the decision by women to intervene in Cold War nuclear politics. The power of non-violence brought about realisation which brought about a change of mind. The first line in the preamble to the INF Treaty which signed away Cruise, Pershing and SS20 missiles in 1987, was: Conscious that nuclear war could have devastating consequences for all mankind. The challenge to the byelaws exposed the illegal use of the land for military

purposes and ended the MoDs 60-year reign over Greenham Common. On 8th April 2000 the fences came down and 1,200 acres were opened to the public. Today Greenham Common is the largest area of Berkshire heathland and supports much wildlife, including nightjar and woodlark. Exmoor ponies and cattle graze freely not far from the now redundant silos. The land where the Womens Peace Camp was situated has been transformed into the Greenham Peace Garden full of sculptures, plants and flowers. This twelfth century Common is now under the care of the Greenham Common Community Trust Limited. Please come and visit the Greenham Peace Garden a very special place where non-violent power brought about lasting change. The 30th Anniversary of the beginning of the camp is on the 3rd September 2011 and we will join there at 1pm. Email sarah.hipperson@virgin.net or call Sarah on 0208 989 4819 or Jean Hutchison 01269 824 248 for more details of the event.

Viewpoint

War and its human cost

Although here in Britain the Iraq war has pretty much dropped off the political agenda, it looks likely that US troops may stay there longer than the agreed withdrawal date of end-2011 certainly some within Congress would like that to be the case. Whether US public opinion would weather such a development is another matter, given the increasing unpopularity of wars, largely due to the crisis facing the US economy and the accompanying public spending cuts. The situation here in Britain is much the same, with the popularity levels of our Afghanistan and Libyan wars at a low ebb too, writes Kate Hudson, CND General Secretary.

hilst we rightly think about the economic cost of war, it is also important to keep in mind the human cost too. The Irish Times recently reported a visit, supported by Save the Children, to hospitals treating the young in Basra, Iraq, where the health situation is bleak. According to Dr Ahmed Jafer, a paediatric specialist in Basra Ours is the only neo-natal unit in this region but we cannot quickly diagnose what exactly we are dealing with. Our children are dying from malnutrition, diarrhoea, TB, meningitis, leishmaniasis, chronic liver disease, pneumonia, anaemia and congenital heart disease, all of which are easily preventable outside of Iraq. But this disastrous war-related collapse in preventable treatments is compounded by what appears to be the terrible impact of the use of indiscriminate weaponry the effects of which are still grossly underreported. There is a high incidence of miscarriages, childhood leukaemia rates have more than doubled between 1993 and 2007, and an increase in tumours and congenital deformities children being born with missing eyes or limbs for example. John Reynolds, who undertook the trip, reported that senior and frontline medical staff say chemical weapons, including those featuring depleted uranium (DU), were used extensively in the border region during the Iran-Iraq and subsequent Gulf wars. In their view this is a poisonous legacy that will take the lives of children for years to come. Professor Thamer Hamdan, Dean of Basra Medical College, observed, You can find evidence of the effects of DU in patients urine or you can do biopsies and

Hiroshima 2008: Ban DU next

Senior and front-line medical staff say chemical weapons, including those featuring depleted uranium (DU), were used extensively in the border region during the Iran-Iraq and subsequent Gulf wars. John Reynolds, Save the Children establish a link. But we dont have the facilities to do this; we have little doubt that DU is linked to the rise in cancer and deformities. Were also seeing a rise in infertility in men and women, which is a concern. Never mind the economic cost it takes over $200,000 to treat a child for leukaemia this is a tragic blight on this country and its population. Yet still, in spite of the increasing body of scientific evidence stacking up against DU and increasing opposition at all levels to its use, our own government refuses to outlaw

it. We encountered this problem again during the early days of the war on Libya, when US Admiral William Gortney told the press that A-10 jets had been used which are typically armed with DU rounds. There was immediate protest against such a use which actually exposed some confusion by our prime minister. When asked about possible use of DU in Libya, he stated that British forces: ...do not use those weapons and are not going to use those weapons. However, the MoD website still displayed the position that: DU anti-armour munitions will remain part of our arsenal for the foreseeable future because we have a duty to provide our troops with the best available equipment with which to protect them and succeed in conflict. Sadly it was the PM that was incorrect, but work continues to change the policy once and for all. More information can be found at the Campaign Against Depleted Uranium website: www.cadu.org.uk

Campaigns

Nuclear Power: not worth the risk

T
here are so many reasons why nuclear power is a bad idea, not least because it shares technology and expertise with nuclear weapons. Whats now on everyones minds though, is the terrible disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan. This is causing a real rethink of attitudes to nuclear power. Even the majority of the French, (the only country in the world with nuclear power as its main source of electricity) said yes to a phase-out of nuclear power in a recent poll. And some governments are listening to their people; Germany, Switzerland, and Italy are now phasing out or refusing nuclear power, to concentrate on renewables instead. If a big industrial power like Germany can manage without, then so can we.

Global support for nuclear power has dropped to 38% 80% of British people think nuclear power is a limited and soon obsolete form of producing energy for the future (73% globally), 74% are against modernisation of electricity production using existing or new nuclear power plants (62% globally)
Ipsos/Reuters News 2011
Photos: London Region held a remembrance vigil to mark the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster and (above) MPs Michael Meacher and Caroline Lucas with Prof Dillwyn Williams addressing a public meeting organised by CND and Medact

this day, many CND groups (see p15) sent their thoughts and prayers to those affected by Chernobyl and those now affected by Fukushima and the terrible earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan. Its vital that our government hears our concerns. Consequently, CND and Medact jointly held a packed public meeting in Parliament with wise words from MPs Caroline Lucas and Michael Meacher, Dr Paul Dorfman from the Nuclear Consultation Group and Professor Dillwyn Williams from the University of Cambridge. Theres also new information on our website on Chernobyl and other nuclear disasters see the Nuclear Power campaign pages.

Fukushima and Chernobyl So far the experts are saying that Fukushima is very serious rating seven on a par with Chernobyl and the full impact will become clearer over time. Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated and the radiation leaked has been detected all around the world. And so we are reminded of that other terrible accident whose effects are still being felt today. The 26th April was the 25th Anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. On

Into Eternity film offer

This award-winning documentary about the building of a nuclear waste repository in Finland is beautifully made and deeply thoughtprovoking. The UK distributors Dogwoof are offering all CND members 50% off the DVD. Buy it from their online shop http://shop.dogwoof.com/products/into-eternity using the promotional code CNDREDEMPTION This film is also a very useful resource for raising awareness. And Dogwoof will waive the screening fees (normally 175 for NGOs) for this film for the first ten CND groups that organise a showing please contact Anne at the CND office with the details campaigns@cnduk.org or call 020 7700 2393.

Viewpoint

Join the Mass Blockade of Hinkley Point nuclear power station

We must continue to put pressure on our government to rethink its nuclear addiction. CND and other anti-nuclear groups have formed a new alliance Stop New Nuclear and were calling on all CND members and supporters to join us at the Hinkley Blockade on the morning of the 3rd October. Please start making plans now, either to blockade or to support the blockaders with your banners and placards. Hinkley Point already has two nuclear reactors (two more are being decommissioned) and is where the first of the planned new nuclear power stations is set to be built if the industry gets its way. Nuclear power is dirty, dangerous and expensive. Lets make sure as many of us as possible make this point at Hinkley! Training events will be set up over summertime. Pledge your support and find out more on the Stop New Nuclear website at www.stopnuclear.org.uk

Independent analysis reveals important flaws

Dr Ian Fairlie is author of CNDs excellent information sheet summarising the latest evidence on cancer clusters around nuclear power stations (including the German governmentcommissioned KiKK study). Here is his response to the UK government body COMAREs most recent report on this issue.

n 6th May, COMARE (Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment) published a report titled Further consideration of the incidence of childhood leukaemia around nuclear power plants in Great Britain. The accompanying press release concluded that the latest British data had revealed no significant evidence of an association between risk of childhood leukaemia and living in proximity to a NPP [nuclear power plant]. Nevertheless, suprisingly, the report data actually indicate a 22% increase in various types of leukaemia and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. So what is going on here? The COMARE statement pivots on the equivocal word significant. COMARE rejected the 22% increase by incorrectly implying that, as this increase did not meet a significance test, the findings were negative (or a type II error in statistical terms). COMAREs conclusion is regrettable as it may mislead members of the public into thinking there are no increases in leukaemias near UK nuclear power stations when in fact there could well be. The report should have said that it found increases ranging between 22% and 47%, that these increases did not meet the statistical test chosen by COMARE, but the lack of significance could simply be due to the low numbers in the study and not to lack of effect. Furthermore, the COMARE reports handling of epidemiological data is not transparent in three areas: 1. It excludes recent data on childhood leukaemia near nuclear power plants (i.e. after 2004) despite being established to do precisely that; 2. It includes new categories of lymphomas and leukaemias, although none were actually observed and although neither KiKK nor the 2008 Bithell study examined these types; 3. It excludes data from the Calder Hall nuclear power station (now being decommissioned) although, their inclusion would certainly have yielded a higher estimate of risk. This irregular handling of data unfortunately lays the COMARE report open to accusations of cherry picking data. In order to dispel any doubts in this area and increase transparency, it is recommended COMARE should release its data: on the observed number of childhood leukaemias within 5km of nuclear power plants between 2004 and 2010, and on the observed number of childhood leukaemias within 5km of Sellafield between 1969 and 2010. Finally, the COMARE report refuses to acknowledge the clear pattern of epidemiological evidence across the world indicating increased leukaemia risks near nuclear power plants.

Cut Trident: the price tag just got bigger

A
T a cost of at least 2 billion a year, or nearly 38.5 million every week just to run, the Trident nuclear weapons system is draining money away from where we really need it. As the cuts bite deeply, our ability to ensure our children and young people get the education they deserve is hindered, our capacity to guarantee old people are properly cared for is weakened, and support systems for the vulnerable in our society are vastly impaired. In the meantime, the government is allowing taxpayers money to pour into the Trident replacement project. Despite the majority of the British public being against it, Trident replacement means our country is able to threaten the world with terrible death and destruction for another 50 years. Do we really want our precious money spent on making such an unsafe world? Even just the first half of the design phase for new submarines has cost us nearly a billion pounds (and billions have been spent over recent years on massive redevelopment and modernisation at the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston).Yet the price tag has just got bigger. Predicted in the MoDs White Paper to cost 1114 billion, new figures from the most recent report (Initial Gate) show that the subs will cost us at least double this without counting the usual cost overruns. Including warhead and infrastructure costs this could reach 32 billion. Add the running costs for this new system for a lifespan of 30 years, add inflation on top of that and we reach the devastating sum of 100 billion. So theres no time to lose in making sure our message to Cut Trident is heard loud and clear. The decision on whether or not to move on to the construction phase of the Trident replacement submarines (Main Gate) is planned for 2016. Theres plenty we can do before then. At every opportunity, raise the issue of Trident and costs in your community. The Lib Dem Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey MP has announced a review of alternatives to Trident. Lets make sure he isnt thinking about keeping nuclear weapons in any other shape or form. The only way to deal with nuclear weapons is to disarm them and work towards a global agreement banning them all like a Nuclear Weapons Convention.

cut trident

Take action
Write to Nick Harvey today telling him that there must only be one alternative to Trident replacement and that is not having nuclear weapons at all. Urge him to scrap plans to replace Trident and work towards a Nuclear Weapons Convention banning nuclear weapons globally. Write to him at the MoD Main Building, Whitehall, London SW1A 2HB or use the email tool on our website go to the Take Action box on the home page. Get your MP to sign EDM 1924 Trident Review calling for a full review before the construction of replacement submarines begins. Have one last push at getting signatures for the Scrap Trident petition deadline 1st September download a copy from the website or sign online.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) government is calling for the removal of Trident nuclear weapons from Scotland. Katy Clark, Labour MP for North Ayrshire and Arran, Scotland and Bill Kidd, SNP Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Anniesland each discuss their partys stance on Trident. Katy Clark MP
The Defence Secretarys recent announcement that the government has decided to approve Initial Gate was a disappointment to all of us who believe that retaining the UKs nuclear weapons system is both wrong and unaffordable. Unfortunately, so far, the official response from the Labour Party has been disappointing, questioning the cost of certain aspects of the renewal process but remaining steadfast in its support for Trident. This is a mistaken strategy and a major re-think is needed. In Scotland, one of the first things the new SNP administration announced was to bring forward a motion calling for the removal of Trident nuclear submarines from Faslane. The recent Scottish elections were disappointing for Labour, losing many constituency seats and witnessing the SNP claim an overall majority in Holyrood. The overwhelming factor behind this defeat was that no positive alternative vision was offered by Labour to the country. Trident was not in any way an issue in that election given that most people fully understand that this is a responsibility reserved to Westminster. People stuck with a government they knew and frankly ignored the independence issue which had been effectively parked by the promise of a referendum. Many in the Scottish Labour Party oppose Trident and should be honest about their views in the coming months. Nationally Labour must offer a strong, coherent alternative to the Conservatives cuts agenda in the lead up to the next General Election. Abandoning the Partys commitment to Trident and showing a different approach on foreign policy could be a central part of this. Were Ed Miliband to announce that the Labour Party no longer supported Trident renewal it would signify the partys priorities as jobs, education and health and that we were moving away from the politics where billions were being wasted on nuclear weapons. There would also be a positive message highlighting the partys support for a foreign policy based on peace and reconciliation rather than aggression and military force. Were the Labour Party to take a bold stance on Trident it could redefine the whole nature of the debate. As CND has demonstrated in recent years, there is a substantial section of the public which no longer supports the renewal of Trident and should one of the major parties come out against renewal it could prove to be the tipping point which ultimately leads to the end of nuclear weapons in the UK. All of us in the Labour Party who oppose Trident therefore have a duty to continue our campaigning for this positive change.

Bill Kidd MSP

Whether Trident is desirable from a moral or humanitarian aspect can be argued from anyones philosophical standpoint; whether its too dangerous to keep nuclear weapons in the world, or the world is too dangerous a place not to maintain them as a deterrent is also a point of infinite debate. However, angels only dance on the head of a pin when theres no nightclub open. Lets look at the economic viability of Trident replacement in the face of crippling national debt. Even if one thought it desirable to maintain a nuclear arsenal described by former senior military figures as useless in military terms is it economically viable to continue with Trident-armed nuclear submarines at present cost levels? Never mind the 100 billion replacement and operation cost of the next generation system of weapons-of-mass-murder. This comes at the same time as the banking system is kept from collapse only through the investment of the general populations pension pot. We cannot afford this big boys toy. The sooner Westminster can be forced to take on board the fact that the UK is an equal within the United Nations with other countries on the planet, not their supposed superior as a Permanent Member of the Security Council, the better and safer for all. From a Scottish perspective this is much more clear cut; whether Scotland could or could not afford this reckless waste of public finances is beside the point. An independent Scotland will not have Trident or any other system of nuclear menace stationed on her soil or in her waters. Scotland's contribution to the running costs of Trident is around 160 million per annum. This money could effectively: employ all 300 Scottish-origin naval personnel on conventional duties, redeploy the 300 MoD security personnel, boost the socio-economic infrastructure and tourism amenities of Argyll and Dunbartonshire, and fund a public agency to focus the Lower Clydes local economy on renewable energy projects which would be of long-term benefit to Scotland and the wider world. The recession is already proving to be long and difficult for the majority. And it is clear to all but the messianic Westminster warlords with their Tomorrow belongs to Me mindset, that Trident isnt needed, isnt wanted and cant be afforded. The SNP Scottish Government is firm in our rejection of Trident. Westminster must follow or suffer an ignominious slide in the eyes of the 21st century world.

CND Conference 2011

CND Annual Conference and AGM, Saturday 15th October Bradford University Student Union Day of Action at Menwith Hill, Sunday 16th October

We look forward to welcoming you to CNDs Conference and Annual General

Meeting (AGM) in Bradford on Saturday 15th October 2011. The AGM will include the officer hustings and ballots for directly-elected council membership. This year's conference includes a Day of Action at Menwith Hill on Sunday 16th October. The pre-conference timetable can be found on the Conference website at: www.cnduk.org/conference. The venue on Saturday will be the Bradford University Student Union, Student Central, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford BD7 1DP. Registration will be from 9.30-11am and the AGM and Conference will take place between 11am-6pm. Transport will be available for the Day of Action at Menwith Hill on the Sunday, with activities taking place at Menwith Hill between approximately 12.30-4pm (returning to Bradford by approximately 5.45pm). The Day of Action at Menwith Hill is being organised by Yorkshire CND as part of Keep Space for Peace Week 2011. Registration fees Delegates: Individual registration: Observers: AGM:

40 per organisation 12 per person 12 per person free of charge

Key deadlines
Nominations (directly elected) Resolutions Constitutional resolutions and amendments Registration with accommodation Registration without accommodation Emergency resolutions 29 June 4 July 31 Aug 23 Sept 7 Oct 10 Oct

CND Conference website More information and all conference forms can be found at www.cnduk.org/conference. This page will be updated with the latest details in the lead up to Conference. Further information on the Day of Action at Menwith Hill can be found at www.yorkshirecnd.org.uk/menwithaction. Alternatively, please contact the Office Manager at: CND Conference, 162 Holloway Rd, London N7 8DQ, tel 020 7700 2393, or email officemanager@cnduk.org

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Campaigns

US missile defence puts Europe on the front line

Dave Webb, CND Chair

ts not surprising that there is confusion over what missile defence is all about but it certainly hasnt gone away. Bush made quite clear what he wanted to do in terms of stationing missiles and radars on the borders of Russia. Obama is doing the same thing, and more, but has gone about it differently. The Obama Administrations 2010 Ballistic Missile Review Report clearly describes the new so-called phased adaptive approach of: Maintaining the Ground Based Missile Defense system to protect the continental United States from long-range ballistic missile attack. This includes slightly increasing the number of interceptor missiles in Alaska and maintaining those in California. The upgraded early warning radars in Alaska, Greenland and Yorkshire (Fylingdales) are still very much part of this. The development of space-based satellite components will also continue, such as the Space-Based Infra Red System and the Space Tracking and Surveillance System which will link with Menwith Hill in Yorkshire. Phase 1 of the new approach has already begun with batteries of landbased Patriot missiles and sea-based Aegis Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) interceptors installed in Europe for US protection against short, medium and intermediate-range missiles. Poland now has a US Patriot missile base and Romania has agreed to host one. Forward-based radars, surveillance and communications systems (components of the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense THAAD system) are also to be deployed. US Cruisers and Destroyers have been equipped with Aegis missile defense systems, and

some are deployed in the eastern Mediterranean and Persian Gulf. Phases 2 (around 2015) and 3 (around 2018) involve further upgrading of the sea and land-based SM-3 interceptor missile and advanced radar systems to counter short and medium-range threats. Phase 4 (around 2020) sees another version of the SM-3 (Block IIB) capable of intercepting long-range missiles. Hundreds of these missiles will be stationed on ships in the Mediterranean, Baltic and Black Seas and on land (Aegis Ashore) So, rather than Bushs scheme of one large fixed radar in the Czech Republic (which the people sucessfully campaigned against), this adaptive approach will use a distributed system of installations across Europe. Each phase represents an escalation, involving more missiles, more bases and more countries (Bulgaria, Ukraine, Turkey and Israel are all Fylingdales in Yorkshire part of the US Missile Defence system

possibilities for further expansion). Everything is subject to the usual tests, long delays and huge overspends. And then theres NATO. The 2010 Summit agreed NATOs joining forces with the US to firstly help protect the US from long-range missile attack and, secondly protect the 28 NATO countries from short, medium and intermediate-range missile attack. This of course means we will also be sharing the costs and threats. The threat is said to be from Iran, but Russia continues to express grave concern about the plans, remaining convinced that the system will give the US an asymmetric missile advantage which could lead to an arms race. In fact Russia is so concerned that it is threatening to withdraw from the new START treaty (to reduce the number of US and Russian strategic nuclear weapons) if the US continues to pursue missile defence in Europe. Obama is promoting US sales of sea and land-based missile defence systems around the globe. The US has effectively surrounded China with military bases in Japan and South Korea, both of whom have also purchased Aegis and Patriot missile systems and even Taiwan has acquired Patriot missiles. Systems have also been sold to Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. So, Obama may be an eloquent speaker able to move so many hearts and minds, but he is also moving US military reach across the globe. His plans are still firmly entrenched in the same old militaristic thinking that has brought disastrous consequences many times before. It is up to us, global citizens, to say that we really need to spend time and money on other things especially in such times of economic and climate crises.

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Treasurers report Linda Hugl CND Treasurer

The 2010 Accounts CNDs accounts for the year ending 31st December 2010 have been examined and approved by Council. Copies will be available on the website and from the CND office from 11th July. The major points are covered below. During 2010, operating income was 670,455, operating expenditure was 655,176 and investment gains were 7,415, creating an overall surplus of 22,694. Income in 2010 was higher than in 2009 (670K versus 625K). Some sources of income yielded less: appeals (because there was an extra one in 2009), membership subscriptions & regular giving, grants, and bank interest. However income from legacies and donations increased. There was a significant legacy of 34K and two single donations of 33K and 11K, the latter specifically for trade union work. 2010 expenditure was slightly lower than in 2009 (655K versus 660K), with most sources of expenditure following this trend. There were two areas of increased expenditure: peace education financed by a grant from the Nuclear Education Trust (NET) and fundraising expenses (which were lower in 2009 as the fundraiser wasnt employed until later in the year). In more detail membership appeal costs were significantly lower in 2010 compared to 2009 because the fundraiser began to be responsible for the formulation of appeal letters, an activity previously outsourced. Campaigning costs were reduced in 2010 in response to the need to cut expenditure. However, trade union work expenses doubled due to specific funding for this and parliamentary costs increased because of the increasing costs of party conferences. Support costs were lower largely as the office rent was reduced because of a new lease. It should be noted that there were no staff salary increase in 2010, just a small bonus, which helped to keep costs down. Salaries were 22,431(basic) and 27, 421 (with London weighting); overall staffing costs are just over 50% of all expenditure before regional grants are taken into account. The value of CNDs ethical investments increased further in 2010 by over 7K. They are now worth almost 61K, following our 50,000 investment in 2001. The surplus from the ethical investments was added to the campaigning reserve, and the general reserve was maintained at 100K. Funds from the fixed asset reserve, reduced from 80K to 50K, were also transferred to the campaigning reserve. The movement of these funds into the campaigning reserve brings its level to 399K compared to 353K at the end of 2009. Total reserves now stand at 575K up from 552K at the start of 2010. Many thanks to CND staff, members of the Admin and Finance Group and our many volunteers for their work.

Income Subscriptions & regular giving Appeals Grants Other donations Fundraising activities Legacies CND's Management charges to NET Interest Total

2010

2009

303,507 312,390 119,292 138,745 78,698 85,314 79,505 29,247 19,448 16,465 59,807 30,221 1,472 1,224 8,724 11,357 670,455 624,963

Expenditure Campaigning activities: Direct campaigning costs 278,008 285,819 Regions 52,835 57,945 Specialist sections 3,000 4,530 External campaigns 5,375 9,075 Peace education 46,633 37,006 Membership and fundraising 113,027 100,835 Policy and decision making 11,931 12,128 Support costs 142,535 150,436 Taxation 1,832 2,385

The Nuclear Education Trust (NET) Total 655,176 660,159 NET made only two grant awards during Investment loss/gain 7,415 9,255 2010, CND peace education work being Overall surplus/loss 22,694 -25,941 the major recipient. The other grant was awarded to a Peace Trail project in Manchester. NET reserves continue to fall, and work on fundraising Phone, broadband & mobile and profile raising is the major priority for the NET Trustees for the services time being. More details bile d and mo e broadban er with a di erenc e, on the NET accounts and Get phon coms suppli activities can be found on from a tele time e t the sam the NET website ort CND a p ...and sup www.nucleareducation trust.org. NET is a 10 credit give you a company limited by go er, we will end will support of your sp As a CND guarantee, registration nt work ill AND 6% tb ir excelle on your rs ntinue the lp them co number 05530662, he to CND to Charitable Registration Call: 0845 458 9040 number 1118373, Registered Office 162, Visit: www.thephone.coop/CND Holloway Road, London QUOTE: CND and AF0267 N7 8DQ.

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Membership

how much are you spending on

ummer is here and with it the launch of our new Summer Raffle. You should have received your tickets with this magazine. Please sell as many as you can, or buy them yourself if you would like a chance to win 1,000s! Tickets are only 1 each, and selling them is a great way to support CND. The first prize is 3,000 cash, second is 1,000, and we also have four 100 gift hampers to be won, as well as lots of CND merchandise and gift memberships. If youd like to order more tickets please call 020 7700 2393. Speaking of merchandise we have many new t-shirt colours in the on-line shop www.cnduk.org/shop just what you need for your summer campaigning. Someone, somewhere will have predicted a heat wave this year, so you should probably invest in a few in case theyre right! We also have plenty of badges, bags, books, flags, pens, plates and posters for you to purchase. And mugs. Perfect gifts for family, friends, or yourself! Thanks to the many people who donated towards the cost of our billboard at Westminster tube station earlier this year. We were overwhelmed by support for this from both members and non-members including many people who had never donated before. The billboard looked

fantastic and really helped get the message across to MPs that people do not want their money spent on nuclear weapons as you can see from the picture above. Legacies We are extremely grateful to all our members and supporters who have remembered CND in their Will. The difference legacy income makes to our effectiveness as a campaign cannot be over-stated. If you would like more information about leaving a legacy to CND you can find it at www.cnduk.org/legacies, otherwise call us on 020 7700 2393 or

email legacies@cnduk.org and we can send you a copy of our information pack A Legacy for Peace.

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Trade union update

nlike government cuts, CNDs Cut Trident campaign is achieving real resonance within the Trade Union movement. Lets start with the biggest news the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has affiliated to CND. Shortly before voting to join a united strike against the cuts on 30th June, the union decided to join CND. We are thrilled to welcome PCS to our organisation and look forward to a united fight against Trident. We spent a productive few days at the PCS conference in May and the GMB conference in June. CND will also be running a speakers event and stall at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival this summer. Join us there for an important discussion on Jobs and Trident; we will be bringing the facts about the negative effect Trident has on jobs and the UK economy to the heart of the Trade Union movement. CND was also pleased to welcome a delegation from Unite to our annual fundraising dinner. The delegation

included Unites new General Secretary Len McClusky and, since the meal, the trade union branch representing staff at Unites central office has also affiliated to CND. At the TUC-led March for the Alternative anti-cuts demonstration, CND protested in a Jobs Not Bombs bloc with Stop the War Coalition to spread our antiwar, anti-Trident message. A team of CND Trade Union volunteers spent the

demonstration among the crowds gathering contact details from interested Trade Union branches. Prior to the march, CND distributed 40,000 promotional leaflets through our networks , helped particularly by Tower Hamlets UNISON sending out 2,000 CND leaflets to their members, the RMT sending out 2,500 and the FBU sending out 4,000. With the fight against the cuts gearing up, CNDs anti-nuclear message is more relevant and more important than ever. In this time of massive cuts to jobs and public services there are very few people who wouldnt agree that it is ludicrous to spend over 100 billion on weapons that we can never justifiably use. In addition, with the Financial Times reporting that Trident looks set to be a key issue for the next general election, the fight to promote our message amongst trade unions has just become even more critical. For further information contact Tansy Hoskins, CNDs trade union officer.

In the news. . .
Pakistan and India increase nukes capability Both India and Pakistan are continuing to expand their nuclear weapons capabilities and numbers of warheads. Pakistan recently tested a new short-range missile designed to carry tactical nuclear warheads. Meanwhile India is planning a fleet of nuclear-armed subs (the first to be fully deployed in just a few years time) so that it achieves a nuclear triad allowing it to launch an attack from land, air or sea. Fire service criticises AWE The Health and Safety Executive may take legal action against the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Aldermaston, Britains nuclear bomb factory, after serious deficiencies were found in the way it handled a fire there last August. The blaze, in one of the explosive technology buildings, took nine hours to put out. A Berkshire fire service review of the incident (obtained by the Nuclear Information Service) revealed poor MoD communications and breaches of safety measures. The AWEs own inquiry apologised for the incident explaining that they fell shorton safety standards. Faslane safety compromised by cuts Concerns about safety at Faslane, Scotland, where the nuclear weapons submarines are based, have also been widely reported. The MoDs internal safety watchdog (Defence Nuclear Environment and Safety Board) reported that spending cuts could further increase the risk of leaks or accidents there. And profit-making Coulport, near Faslane, where the nuclear warheads are stored, is set to be privatised, with the government handing over management to a new consortium of companies called ABL comprising Lockheed Martin, Babcock and AWE. This will mean even further involvement of US company, Lockheed Martin in British nukes as it is already one of the three companies running AWE (with Serco and Jacobs Engineering). Lockheed Martin already manufactures and develops the Trident missiles that the UK leases from the US. Scottish Roman Catholic Church leader condemns Trident The BBC news reported Cardinal OBriens description of Britains nuclear weapons as shameful when he joined other Scottish church representatives at Faslane for an Easter peace rally. He called on Britain to be courageous and give Trident up, quoting the Popes words: In a nuclear war there would be no victors, only victims.

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Muriels Grapevine

Future events
invited to put an old rubber glove on and dip their hands into a covered bucket to see if they could find any nuclear waste which they then have to chuck down an old drainpipe. For this they won some sweets and got to learn a bit more in a light-hearted way about the dangers of nuclear waste! A blustery day didnt put off the women who picnicked, protested and then did a tour of Menwith Hill as part of the International Womens Peace Day for Peace and Disarmament organised by Yorkshire CND with the Menwith Hill Womens Peace Camp. Well done to Tower Hamlets CND whose perseverance finally paid off. After years of engaging with successive Mayors, the groups persuasive arguments finally won over their first directly-elected Mayor, who signed up to be a Mayor for Peace on the 1st May. Finally, welcome to the new Stockport for Peace group. A merging of Stockport Forum for Peace and Marple and District CND, we wish the group much campaigning success.

he 25th Anniversary of Chernobyl was an important day for groups around the country. Greater Manchester & District CND held a classical Commemorative Concert followed by a candlelit vigil led by the Lord Mayor and a Belarusian violinist. East Midlands CND secretary was interviewed by BBC Radio Derby in the morning and later the group joined with local environmental and peace groups for a vigil outside the Rolls Royce factory. Merseyside CND followed their candlelit vigil with a showing of When the Wind Blows and East Lancashire CNDs vigil gained a substantial piece in their local newspaper. Members of many CND groups also swelled the numbers of the Sizewell Camp 2011 with its Chernobyl Remembrance event (organised by the Stop Nuclear Power Network). A successful rally gathered over 100 people outside the main entrance of the nuclear power station. Many groups have been joining local and regional cuts demonstrations throughout spring. Brandishing some freshly made-up Cut Trident placards East Lancashire CND joined the Burnley May Day rally. At the rallys end, in the park, their stall gathered 142 signatures for the Scrap Trident petition and gained extra interest especially from children because of its Unlucky dip game. Participants were

16th July
Come to CNDs Trident and Jobs speaker event at the Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival, 1.30pm at the Tolpuddle Fringe Marquee with guest speakers Tony Kearns, CWU, Kate Hudson CND and Tony Staunton SW Region TUC. Also look out for our stall there.

16th July
Peace and Ecology Festival 12 noon 6 pm in the grounds of St. Luke's Church, Leece St. Liverpool. With campaigning stalls, music, dance, poetry and veggie food. Wheelchair accessible. For more information or to book a stall contact Merseyside CND mcnd@care4free.net or call 0151 702 6974.

6-9th August
Hiroshima and Nagasaki commemoration events will be happening all around the country contact your local or regional CND group for more details.

3rd September
Greenham Peace Garden gathering on the 30th Anniversary of the beginning of the Greenham Womens Peace Camp see page 4 for contact details.

8-11th September
Look out for the CND stall at the Bestival Festival, Isle of Wight and see if you can win at Missile Skittles!

3rd October
Join in the Mass Blockade of Hinkley nuclear power station see page 6.

16-17th October
CND Conference, AGM and Day of Action at Menwith Hill see page 10. Register now to vote on policy and campaigns for the coming year, meet CND council members, staff and other members and build links and share ideas.

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Contacts Regions and areas

Cumbria & N Lancs CND 13 East Road Lancaster LA1 3EE tel: 01524 33991 r.allwright@lancaster.ac.uk East Midlands CND 43 Cobden Road Chesterfield S40 4TD mathews@greenbee.net Eastern Region CND The Flint House, Dunburgh Rd Geldeston, Beccles, NR34 0LL tel: 0845 337 0282 mellcndeast@cnduk.org www.easterncnduk.org Gtr Manchester & District CND Bridge 5 Mill, 22a Beswick St, Manchester M4 7HR tel: 0161 273 8283 gmdcnd@gn.apc.org www.gmdcnd.org.uk Kent Area CND 2 Mill Cottages, Mill Lane, Preston, Canterbury CT3 1HG tel: 01227 722508 chris@vfast.co.uk London Region CND Mordechai Vanunu House 162 Holloway Road London N7 8DQ tel: 020 7607 2302 david.lrcnd@cnduk.org www.londoncnd.com Merseyside CND 52 Mount Pleasant Liverpool L3 5SD tel: 0151 702 6974 mcnd@care4free.net www.mcnd.org.uk Mid Somerset CND 12 Neales Way, Evercreech, Shepton Mallet BA4 6LA tel: 01749 830 741 msomcnd@aol.com Norwich CND 258 Earlham Road Norwich NR2 3RH tel: 01603 453530 jean.davis@talk21.com South Cheshire & North Staffs CND Burslem School of Art Queen Street, Burslem Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3EJ 07778 913528 scanscnd@burslem.demon.co.uk www.scanscnd.org.uk Southern Region CND Flat 12, Eliot House 483 Portswood Road Southampton SO17 2TH tel: 02380 328335 anna.maria@dsl.pipex.com South West Region CND The Peace Shop 31 New Bridge Street Exeter EX4 3AH 01392 431447 cndsouthwestregion@yahoo.co.uk Sussex Peace Alliance 67 Summerheath Rd Hailsham BN27 3DR tel: 01323 844 269 geowcpuk@gn.apc.org www.peacebourne.serifweb.com /SPA Tyne & Wear CND 1 Rectory Avenue, Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1XS tel: 0191 285 7260 West Midlands CND 54 Allison Street Birmingham B5 5TH tel: 0121 643 4617 wmcndall@gn.apc.org www.wmcnd.org.uk Yorkshire CND 2 Ashgrove Bradford BD7 1BN tel: 01274 730795 info@yorkshirecnd.org.uk www.yorkshirecnd.org.uk Labour CND 11 Pembury Road Worthing BN14 7DN info@labourcnd.org.uk www.labourcnd.org.uk www.facebook.com/group.php? gid=3329780443@LabourCND Student CND Mordechai Vanunu House 162 Holloway Road London N7 8DQ tel: 020 7700 4200 info@studentcnd.org.uk www.studentcnd.org.uk Youth & Student CND Mordechai Vanunu House 162 Holloway Road London N7 8DQ tel: 020 7700 4200

National offices
CND Cymru Llys Gwyn, Glynarthen Llandysul, Ceredigion SA44 6PS tel: 01239 851188 heddwch@cndcymru.org www.cndcymru.org Scottish CND 15 Barrland Street Glasgow G41 1QH scnd@banthebomb.org tel: 0141 423 1231 www.banthebomb.org Irish CND PO Box 6327 Dublin 6, Eire tel: 00 353 86 362 1220 irishcnd@gmail.com www.irishcnd.org

Peace Camps
Aldermaston Womens Peace Camp Second weekend of every month. tel: 07969 739 812 info@aldermaston.net www.aldermaston.net Faslane Peace Camp Permanent. A814, Shandon, Helensburgh Dumbartonshire G84 8NT tel: 07511 793227 www.facebook.com/pages/ FaslanePeaceCamp/10143429717 Menwith Hill Womens Peace Camp Contact Yorkshire CND for details.

Specialist sections
Christian CND 162 Holloway Road London N7 8DQ tel: 020 7700 4200 christians@cnduk.org www.gn.apc.org/ccnd Parliamentary CND Mordechai Vanunu House 162 Holloway Road London N7 8DQ tel: 020 7700 2393 fax: 020 7700 2357 parliamentary@cnduk.org

Campaign is printed on 100% recycled paper

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