On 7th July, Leeds CND and peace campaigners gathered in Millennium Square at 1pm where we held a socially-distanced protest and formed a giant CND symbol demanding the British government embrace peace and disarmament and endorse the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

On the 7th July 2017, the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) was adopted. Almost four years later, this Treaty has received the signatures of 86 nation-states, the ratification of 55, and as of January 22nd 2021, entered into force as a treaty of international law. Despite this historic victory for the global peace movement, the nuclear weapon states have continued to defy the global nuclear ban. The British government has even announced an increase to its nuclear warhead stockpile by 40%.

Leeds North East MP and Shadow Minister for Peace and Disarmament Fabian Hamilton has offered these words for the occasion: “The TPNW is a hugely significant diplomatic accomplishment and we should recognise all those who made such a transformative piece of international law a reality. In such a volatile world, we are in desperate need of the political will to further nuclear non-proliferation. Sadly, this Conservative Government failed to send any British representation to the preparatory talks for the TPNW and has now announced plans to increase our stockpile of nuclear warheads, without any justification.”

As a result, yesterday Leeds CND held a protest on the birthday of the TPNW, with people from across the city emulating the actions of Bradford peace activists last year, by forming a giant CND symbol in Millennium Square. Leeds is a city with a deep reservoir of peace campaigning, as both a long-term supporter of the Nuclear Free Local Authorities initiative, but also as shown by Leeds City Council's recent endorsement of the TPNW. This was reflected in the presence at the protest of local residents, trade unionists and City Councillors.

Leeds City Council leader, James Lewis declared: “Leeds City Council has a long held tradition of supporting peace and nuclear disarmament. In January this year we passed a motion in support of the International Treaty to Prohibit Nuclear Weapons. I firmly re-iterate our support for the Treaty and confirm we will continue our work in support of nuclear disarmament.”

There was also a stall to commemorate the day held by peace activists in Keighley.

The Menwith Hill Accountability Campaign held their annual Independence from America Day 2021 on Sunday July 4th. To mark the occasion, they had people brave the windy and wet weather and visit the Base as well as providing an on-line link up with speakers.

Supporters of MHAC went to the Main Gate and handed in a letter to the Base commander. They also had a reading of a Declaration of Independence from America and some short talks by people with relevant experience and stories to tell.

On Monday 12 July, Christian CND will be hosting a major Zoom meeting as part of the events to mark 60 years of our campaigning against nuclear weapons. The event was originally scheduled to take place in the Methodist Central Hall, the location of the historic first meeting of the United Nations General Assembly which saw the very first resolution passed calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons.

Join Christian CND for what promises to be a fantastic evening of speakers, workshops and memories from the past 60 years. Speakers on the night will include:

• Revd Dr Inderjit Bhogal OBE – leading theologian and Methodist Minister who received the World Methodist Peace Award in 2018. He will speak about the biblical principles of non-violence and why Christians should engage in disarmament efforts.
• Marie Dennis – Pax Christi International Senior Advisor and a key member of the team working on disarmament efforts at the UN on behalf of the Vatican. Marie will talk about the steps the Vatican has taken for disarmament and the role of the Catholic Church in the next stage of campaigning.
• Bruce Kent and Valerie Flessati – Stalwarts of the peace movement for decades, Bruce and Valerie will share some of their memories of the past 60 years of Christian CND

In addition to the speakers, there will also be workshops to share ideas on the next season of campaigning including:

• Divestment from nuclear weapons with Steve Hucklesby
• The morality of nuclear weapons
• What’s next for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons with Rebecca Johnson
• The experience of New Zealand and what we can learn

There will be plenty of chance for questions, sharing ideas and of course praying for peace.

The Nuke Free Europe network is coordinating a month of action this September to highlight the presence of nuclear weapons stationed across the continent. Here in the UK, we will be shining a spotlight on the nuclear chain by encouraging action at nuclear sites across the country on September 26th. This is an opportunity to highlight the government’s twisted priorities –increasing its number of nuclear warheads during a pandemic while refusing to pay nurses properly.

Take your banners, organise a die-in, arrange a visual stunt – anything to show how sites and buildings across the UK are building a new nuclear weapons system.

Email information@cnduk.org with any queries