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. |