News from National CND

Last week’s local and devolved elections show the fundamental shifts and fragmentation taking place in British politics – resulting in significant losses for Keir Starmer’s government.

It saw a serious increase in support for the far right, but also a strong surge for parties like Plaid Cymru and the Green Party, advocating peace and nuclear disarmament.

We know that the rise of the far right is a threat to us all – exploiting the worsening economic situation to whip up racism and hatred. The full economic impact of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East caused by the illegal US-Israeli attacks on Iran has yet to be felt in Britain. But price hikes in everything from the price of fuel, fertiliser, and the food on our supermarket shelves are expected. Meanwhile, the government continues to be pressured to cut spending on social services to fund more hikes to the military budget and nuclear weapons.

This is why CND’s campaigning against the illegal war on Iran goes hand in hand with our ‘Nurses Not Nukes’ campaigning – to push for government to prioritise the real security threats we face from social deprivation and climate breakdown. That’s also why CND is one of the many civil society organisations supporting the Together Alliance against the far right, which calls for unity and hope – where genuine security comes from investing in people and planet, not war and weapons.

Nakba 78: March for Palestine, United against Tommy Robinson & the far right

This Saturday, 16 May, CND as part of the Palestine Coalition will be marking the Nakba, or Catastrophe, which commemorates the ongoing displacement and oppression of Palestinians since 1948.

Shockingly, the police have allowed a far-right demonstration organised by Tommy Robinson to take to the streets on this day too. So that is why the Palestine Coalition we will be marching with Stand Up To Racism – United for Palestine and against the far right! It is vital that all those who want an end to Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people, and want to stand in solidarity with all those opposing division and hatred, join this critical demonstration on Saturday.  

• Saturday, 16 May 
• Assemble 12 noon, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2DB

A 1km long step-free route will meet outside Green Park Station (Buckingham Palace exit) at 1:00pm. For more details about the main or accessible march routes, see our event page here.

To help ensure the safe and smooth running of the demonstration, the Palestine Coalition also needs volunteers to help steward. No previous experience necessary, just fill out the online form here.