Theo Simon addresses the CND Southern Region AGM

Posted: 13th March 2016

On Saturday 12th March, Members of the Southern Region of CND were treated to an inspirational talk by Theo Simon, a peace campaigner and member of the band Seize the Day.

He has been involved in non violent protest for many years and spoke of the International legal position relating to nuclear weapons.  He explained how International and Military law, introduced after the end of the 2nd World War, embodies the hope that conflict can be contained or eliminated. Trident renewal sends a message that we are in some way above International law.

Nuclear weapons breach legal provisions by indiscriminately targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.  They would also harm people in countries not involved in the conflict in question.  International law forbids retaliation against civilian populations.  All these provisions make the use of nuclear weapons a war crime.  We have to face the uncomfortable reality that if we maintain our nuclear weapons, our country is one of the most likely countries in the world to commit a war crime.

Those working on the production of nuclear weapons are guilty of being involved in preparation for a war crime.  It is an essential part of the move away from nuclear weapons that the workers formally involved in their production should be given alternative work of a more positive kind.

Theo argued that we are at a crucial point in human history in which ecological pressures will result in an increased risk of a nuclear exchange.  We need an alternative vision of the future.  The current situation demands ever expanding economic growth to pay for the vast expense of nuclear weapons. This is not sustainable.  Outlawing nuclear weapons represents realism rather than some fanciful ideal.  Politicians are not going to deliver such change, it really is down to the people.  It must be a movement based on hope rather than fear.