CND's Press Round-Up - 18th May 2021
Posted: 18th May 2021
A final reminder that Parliamentary CND will be holding an online launch of a new CND-commissioned legal opinion today at 2pm, which demonstrates that the UK is in breach of international law by increasing its stockpile of nuclear warheads. You can register here or watch along on CND’s Facebook page.
Please find today’s press round up below. Thank you to all for their continued help and support.
Nuclear Weapons
CND Legal Opinon
The Morning Star has featured the launch of a new legal opinion commissioned by CND on its front page today. As well as featuring quotes from CND and other prominent pro-peace organisations, the Ministry of Defence told the paper that ‘Maintaining the UK’s nuclear deterrent capability at a minimum credible level is fully consistent with our international legal obligations, including those under Article VI of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.’
The Daily Record, the Scottish sister paper of the Daily Mirror, reports on the launch of CND’s legal opinion. The Scottish Government have responded through a spokesperson, saying that ‘Indeed the decision to increase the nuclear weapon stockpile is completely at odds with the members of the international community, who signed the United Nation’s Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, a Treaty whose aims the Scottish Government supports.’
The National reports on CND’s legal opinion too and includes quotes from CND General Secretary Kate Hudson.
Nuclear Safety in Scotland
The Scotsman reports that 450 nuclear safety incidents were recorded at the Faslane and Coulport naval bases over the past three years, with the vast majority taking place at the former. The Government has said none of the incidents caused any harm to humans or the environment. Two incidents were classified as ‘Category B’, the second most severe category. The rate of incidents would appear to be increasing, with an average of 66 per year between 2006 and 2017 moving to one of 148 per year in the last three years.
Anti-War
Israel-Palestine
The Guardian reports that the U.S. has for the first time expressed support for a ceasefire as violence against Gaza continues. This comes as the IDF said it fired 100 bombs and missiles at targets in Gaza overnight. A general strike has been called for today by Palestinian citizens of Israel. The paper’s Diplomatic Editor Patrick Wintour argues in an analysis piece that the Biden administration is determined not to become bogged down in the conflict, but faces increased internal opposition both because of the growth of a progressive wing of its own party and a wider sea-change in attitudes to Israel and Palestine.
Chris Hughes at the Daily Mirror reports on the humanitarian impact of the violence, with a story on a six year old girl in Gaza who was rescued from her bombed house after seven hours in the rubble. Her mother and five siblings were killed in the same airstrike. Israel conducted 35 airstrikes using 54 planes in one twenty minute period on Monday.
With best wishes,
Michael Muir
Press and Communications Officer
Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament