CND launches ‘AUKUS – we say no!’ campaign

Posted: 26th November 2021

The new AUKUS military alliance between Britain, the US and Australia will give Australia nuclear-powered submarines – the first non-nuclear state to get them. This is a dangerous escalation in the West’s ongoing confrontation with China that risks nuclear proliferation and breaches the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Groups’ action pack

We’ve produced resources to support you to get active: a new briefing and leaflet to raise awareness about AUKUS in your communities; a model email to help build political opposition through lobbying local MPs and other elected officials; model motions for to help build links with other like-minded organisations, community groups and trade unions. You can find these resources on our website here and just order leaflets from us.

International day of action, Saturday 11 December

To launch the campaign, CND has joined with the Australian and US peace movements to call this International Day of Action. We’re encouraging groups to organise street stalls to engage local residents and distribute leaflets, letters to the local press, or make placards and share ‘selfies’ on social media using #NoToAUKUS #StopAUKUS hashtags.

Leaflets and briefing

Please order them from us by midday on Monday 6 December so we can post them out to you in time for the day of action on the Saturday!

Building the campaign

Lobby your MP: Use our lobbying tool to email your MP asking them to support EDM 493 which calls for the government to rethink the AUKUS deal. Check here to read the full text and see if your MP has already signed it. Just click here to send an email to your local MP.

If you don’t get a reply, please follow up with a personalised email or a visit (COVID safeguarding permitting). Please email our parliamentary officer Rachel at [email protected] to let her know what feedback you get!

To raise awareness and build links, organise a public meeting. You may want to invite a friendly MP or local councillor, experts like Scientists for Global Responsibility, academics, other peace and anti-war campaigns, environmental organisations, local trade unionists, students and health campaigners. We can help you with speakers – just get in touch!

Build opposition within political parties

Labour Party conference voted overwhelmingly against the deal. If you have Labour Party members or links with the local Labour Party please ask them to submit this model motion. If you know of other Party model resolutions against AUKUS, please let us know!

Build trade union opposition to AUKUS

CND has contacted all its trade union affiliates encouraging them to pass resolutions opposing the deal. If members of your group are in a trade union ask them to submit this model motion to their local branch. Or contact local trade union branches. Download it here.

Very best wishes,
Rob

Rob Wells
CND Office Manager
[email protected]