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The election and the birth of the Coalition Government may have presented us with a degree of political entertainment and even novelty but it has –alas – not brought any progress on nuclear disarmament. On the contrary, it is a set back. The Coalition Agreement, underlined by Liam Fox in his very first speech as new Secretary of Defence, makes it clear that the government intends to continue with the ‘nuclear deterrent’ and that the option of no nuclear replacement of Trident will no longer be considered. It is true that the LibDems have negotiated an opt out clause on the voting when it comes but since a free vote might well endanger the survival of the Coalition Government, their individual consciences on this issue are unlikely to produce an effect.
Further set backs have come in recent weeks from NATO which has just published a key report by a ‘group of experts’ on its future. The report fails to recommend the removal of nuclear weapons despite the fact that several European parliaments have called for the removal of nuclear weapons from their territory, including –most recently - a unanimous vote in the German Bundes Tag (in March). Furthermore, the nuclear weapons sharing arrangement by which the US locates more than 200 bombs in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and Turkey makes a mockery of the Non-Proliferation Treaty which the US is a signatory to and fully justifies charges of hypocrisy when it opposes nuclear developments in other countries.
There is somewhat better news on the nuclear power front in so far as the Coalition Government has set its face against subsidies to the nuclear industry, tearing up –amongst others – promises of £80 mill – to Sheffield’s own Forgemasters intended to sweeten contracts with nuclear providers like EDF.
As readers of this bulletin will be aware, Sheffield CND has recently taken to campaign against nuclear power. David Garlovsky and Richard Bakewell took the lead in organising a very successful nuclear power debate on 28 April, at Hallam University . Eighty people attended and many of the ‘undecideds’ came away persuaded of the arguments against nuclear energy. Presentations of the debate may currently be found on HYPERLINK "http://old.solar-active.com/events.htm" and soon also on our own webpage. Our thoughts are now turning to a follow up, possibly in September/October and hitting high with invites to local MP’s Nick Clegg (Hallam), William Hague (Rotherham) and Paul Blomfield (Central) as well as Caroline Lucas from the Greens (Brighton West). We are also thinking of combining this event with a scrutiny of the various parties’ positions on Trident.
Menwith Hill We urge you more than ever this year to join our coach for the annual Independence from America Day celebrations. There is a star line up of speakers and other entertainment, including Mark Thomas, Peter Tatchell, Roy Bailey, “Seize the Day”. The coach leaves at 11.30 am on July 4th from Ponds Hill in Sheffield (11.a.m from Chesterfield) and leaves Menwith around 7. Plenty of seats still available but going quickly. Price £11,- For coach tickets please ring Kath Cripps on 2680726 (note her new number) or email:
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Other upcoming Calendar highlights:
12th June: Peace in the Park – on The Pondorosa from 12 noon.
26th June: Green Fair, at St Mary’s Church,
We hope also to attend the Lowedges Festival on 15th August
We would appreciate help at these events - if you can give an hour or so contact Kath.
Hiroshima Day, as every year is on August 6th (outside the Town Hall from 10-30) when the Lord Mayor will sign the Mayors for Peace Declaration
Nagasaki Day this year, note, on August 8th, in the Japanese Gardens in Meersbrook Park. Like last year’s stunningly successful event, there will be a picnic and entertainment.
The Lord Mayor will attend and we will invite MP's and Councillors
Finally: may we humbly remind you that membership subs were due last November,
our funds are getting very low so if you have not paid up please send your £6/£4 to Stewart
Thank you
Contacts: Sec Kath Cripps 0114 2680726
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Treasurer: Stewart Kemp, 89, Rustlings Road, Sheffield. S11 7AB
CND Website: sheffieldcnd.org.uk CND email:
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Next Meeting: June 16th 7-15 QMH
The election and the birth of the Coalition Government may have presented us with a degree of political entertainment and even novelty but it has –alas – not brought any progress on nuclear disarmament. On the contrary, it is a set back. The Coalition Agreement, underlined by Liam Fox in his very first speech as new Secretary of Defence, makes it clear that the government intends to continue with the ‘nuclear deterrent’ and that the option of no nuclear replacement of Trident will no longer be considered. It is true that the LibDems have negotiated an opt out clause on the voting when it comes but since a free vote might well endanger the survival of the Coalition Government, their individual consciences on this issue are unlikely to produce an effect.
Further set backs have come in recent weeks from NATO which has just published a key report by a ‘group of experts’ on its future. The report fails to recommend the removal of nuclear weapons despite the fact that several European parliaments have called for the removal of nuclear weapons from their territory, including – most recently – a unanimous vote in the German Bundes Tag (in March). Furthermore, the nuclear weapons sharing arrangement by which the US locates more than 200 bombs in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and Turkey makes a mockery of the Non-Proliferation Treaty which the US is a signatory to and fully justifies charges of hypocrisy when it opposes nuclear developments in other countries.
There is somewhat better news on the nuclear power front in so far as the Coalition Government has set its face against subsidies to the nuclear industry, tearing up – amongst others – promises of £80m – to Sheffield’s own Forgemasters intended to sweeten contracts with nuclear providers like EDF.
As readers of this bulletin will be aware, Sheffield CND has recently taken to campaign against nuclear power. David Garlovsky and Richard Bakewell took the lead in organising a very successful nuclear power debate on 28 April, at Hallam University. Eighty people attended and many of the ‘undecideds’ came away persuaded of the arguments against nuclear energy. Presentations of the debate may currently be found at http://old.solar-active.com/events.htm and soon also on our own webpage. Our thoughts are now turning to a follow up, possibly in September/October and hitting high with invites to local MP’s Nick Clegg (Hallam), William Hague (Rotherham) and Paul Blomfield (Central) as well as Caroline Lucas from the Greens (Brighton West). We are also thinking of combining this event with a scrutiny of the various parties’ positions on Trident.
Menwith Hill
We urge you more than ever this year to join our coach for the annual Independence from America Day celebrations. There is a star line up of speakers and other entertainment, including Mark Thomas, Peter Tatchell, Roy Bailey, “Seize the Day”. The coach leaves at 11.30 am on July 4th from Ponds Hill in Sheffield (11.a.m from Chesterfield) and leaves Menwith around 7. Plenty of seats still available but going quickly. Price £11. For coach tickets please ring Kath Cripps on 2680726 (note her new number) or email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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