News from National CND

Last weekend’s Munich Security Conference was yet more shocking evidence of the reckless warmongering being pushed by US and European leaders. Despite the highest number of NATO bases hosting US nuclear weapons since the Cold War, Polish and German leaders are still in talks with France to station Rafale nuclear jets in their countries.

Keir Starmer used his speech to continue to whip up tensions and press for greater military expenditure – suggesting that Britain could increase spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2029 instead of 2035. And, despite Donald Trump’s continued threats, Starmer described the military relationship with the US as “tight as it had ever been.”

Britain’s new nuclear-capable F-35A fighter jets –  part of a full programme of 138 F-35 fighter jets – is likely to cost at least £71 billion and will tie Britain even closer to the reckless leadership of Trump.  

The rhetoric coming out of the conference has emboldened arms companies. Announcing obscene record profits amidst increased global instability, the head of BAE Systems has pressured the government to unveil its delayed military spending plan.  

But pressure is building against Britain’s military alliance with Trump and to the huge levels of military spending at the expense of vital public services.  

It’s critical that we protest the dangerous expansion of Britain’s nuclear capability – which only increases the risk of nuclear weapons being used in war and breaches Britain’s obligations under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

In ten days’ time, at RAF Marham on Saturday 28 February, people from across the country will be joining CND’s national demonstration against these jets, supported by trade unions and leading campaigning organisations.  

• Saturday, 28 February 
• 1:00pm-3:00pm
• RAF Marham, Upper Marham, King’s Lynn, PE33 9NP

Transport details

Transport – spots are filling up secure yours today!   

Yorkshire: a minibus is being arranged from Bradford, with an option for a stop in Leeds. Last few spots remaining! Email [email protected] or call 01274 730795 (leave a message if there is no answer).  

London: leaving Embankment station at 9.30am. Book a seat on the CND coach from London. Seats are still available but going fast! 

Leicester: Contact [email protected].  

West Midlands: book a seat on the CND coach by emailing wmcndall@gmail.com. 

Manchester: contact gmdcnd@gn.apc.org to discuss transport options.  

Norwich: book a seat on the Norwich coach by emailing [email protected].

Cambridge: email [email protected] for transport from Cambridge.  

Shuttle bus: The nearest train station to the base is Downham Market. CND is running a shuttle to and from the protest from this station – booking a (free) seat is essential. The bus will leave Downham Market at 12.30pm to head to the base. Please make sure you email [email protected] to secure your seat!

How the US is fuelling the nuclear arms race: CND and New Internationalist webinar 

There’s still time to register for the CND and New Internationalist joint webinartaking place tomorrow, Thursday, 19 February. In ‘How the US is fuelling the nuclear arms race’, leading international campaigners and experts will outline the pivotal role the US plays in the escalation of nuclear tensions worldwide. At a time when global conflicts are growing, nuclear-armed states are adding fuel to the fire by reaffirming their commitments to nuclear weapons and abandoning arms control agreements. Join us to discuss these risks and how we can grow the campaign to stop them.  

• Thursday, 19 February 
• 6:00pm
• Online, register here

With guest speakers: Helen Jaccard, Veterans For Peace; Ludo De Brabander, Vrede; Dae-Han Song, International Strategy Center, No Cold War Collective, Korea Policy Institute; and Sophie Bolt, CND. Chaired by New Internationalist co-editor, Amy Hall.

Join the rally in support of Palestine Coalition leaders’ right to protest

On Monday, 23 February, the trial of leading Palestine Coalition organisers, Ben Jamal (Palestine Solidarity Campaign) and Chris Nineham (Stop the War Coalition), will begin in London for their part in organising a peaceful protest for Palestine last year. The trial will be followed by that of CND General Sophie Bolt and Alex Kenny (Stop the War Coalition.) The Palestine Coalition is asking supporters to join in solidarity outside the court to demand that the charges against all of them are dropped.  

• Monday, 23 February 
• 9:00am
• Westminster Magistrates’ Court, 181 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5BR

Speakers include: MPs Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell; actors KhalidAbdalla and Juliet Stevenson; musician Brian Eno; PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote; TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust.