News from National CND

Today marks the fourth anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in which hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian and Russian people have been killed. The escalation of the conflict has created the most serious nuclear flashpoint in the world today between nuclear-armed NATO and Russia. All efforts need to be focused on de-escalating the conflict, ending the bloodshed and halting the risk of nuclear confrontation.

Yet the British government is instead accelerating hikes in military spending. Speaking at the recent Munich Security Conference, Keir Starmer set out an ‘ambition’ to increase spending to 3% of GDP five years earlier than the 2035 timescale.

Part of this expenditure is the government’s plan to buy nuclear-capable F-35A fighter jets, to be based at RAF Marham in Norfolk and tasked with carrying US B61-12 nuclear bombs under NATO command. This gives the Royal Air Force a nuclear role for the first time since 1998 and ties us closer to the catastrophic foreign policy of Donald Trump. 

In a guest blog post, CND Vice-President Caroline Lucas writes about the lack of democracy behind the expansion of Britain’s nuclear capabilities.

“Given the grave consequences of this expansion, this would surely warrant a robust and serious debate in Parliament. Yet MPs were not consulted about the purchase ahead of Starmer’s announcement at last summer’s NATO summit. Since then, the government has stated it has no plans for such a debate.   

Not surprisingly, there is widespread opposition to the decision, including from the Green’s Party Leader, Zack Polanski, and our MPs and Peers.  They join many trade union leaders, faith communities, civil society and climate groups all calling for the government to rethink this disastrous nuclear expansion and instead pursue a foreign policy based on de-escalation, diplomacy, and international cooperation.”

“That’s why I’m urging all those who want to halt this deadly nuclear expansion to join CND’s upcoming demonstration at RAF Marham, in Norfolk, on Saturday 28 February. Not only is this base the central hub for the government’s notorious F-35 fighter jet programme, from where parts for these jets have been transported to Israel. It is also where these new nuclear-capable jets will be stationed. Of course, the government doesn’t want you to know what goes on at this base. And it certainly doesn’t want peaceful protesters shining a spotlight on it. But protest has always been central in making political leaders step back from the nuclear brink and take action to disarm nuclear weapons. It is a rich part of Britain’s history.  And we need this now more than ever.”

• Saturday, 28 February
• 1:00pm-3:00pm
• RAF Marham, Upper Marham, King’s Lynn, PE33 9NP 

Transport – Last chance to secure transport!  

Yorkshire: a minibus is being arranged from Bradford, with an option for a stop in Leeds. Last few spots remain Email [email protected] or call 01274 730795 (leave a message if there is no answer).  

London: the London coach is now SOLD OUT please email [email protected] to add your name to the waiting list, so we can make plans to book another coach.

Leicester: Contact [email protected].  

West Midlands: book a seat on the CND coach by emailing [email protected]

Manchester: contact gmdcnd@gn.apc.org to discuss transport options. 

 
Norwich: book a seat on the Norwich coach by emailing [email protected].

Cambridge: email [email protected] for transport from Cambridge. 

 
Shuttle bus: The nearest train station to the base is Downham Market. CND is running a shuttle to and from the protest from this station – booking a (free) seat is essential. The bus will leave Downham Market at 12.30pm to head to the base. Please make sure you email [email protected] to secure your seat!