Yorkshire CND news
Posted: 23rd May 2026
Hello readers and supporters of Yorkshire CND!
Please read on for the latest news, callouts and events…
What have we done?
It was great to be part of With Banners Held High! Showing our solidarity with workers and the trade union movement is something we are proud to do. Following on from this, we’ll be running the CND stall at the UCU conference in Harrogate next week. If you’re planning to be there, please drop by for a chat.
CND campaigners also recently went to the protest outside the US embassy, where we highlighted the dangers posed by the collapse of the New START Treaty – the final arms control agreement between the US and Russia which put limits on the amount of strategic nuclear weapons each can deploy.
Locally, there was a screening of ‘Our Planet, The People, My Blood’. There are plans for more screenings in the near future, so keep an eye out for more information!
Latest News
RUSSIA FLEXES NUCLEAR MUSCLES AS TENSIONS RISE WITH NATO
Russia launched nuclear-capable missiles and issued nuclear munitions to some units on Thursday as part of major nuclear exercises amid heightened tensions with NATO over the Ukraine war and drone activity in the Baltic.
Russia is conducting some of the biggest nuclear exercises in years, involving 64,000 people to drill its forces in “the preparation and use of nuclear forces in the event of aggression”.
Iran war cost of living crisis looms as Starmer prepares to announce more money for military
The economic crisis caused by the illegal US-Israeli war on Iran is going global. The UN’s Development Programme has already warned that the shocks to fuel and food supplies already caused by the conflict will push 32 million people in poverty.
Russian jets ‘dangerously’ intercept RAF spy plane over Black Sea
RAF spy plane over the Black Sea last month, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.
A Russian Su-35 fighter approached the Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft, getting close enough to trigger its emergency systems, disabling its autopilot.
And a Su-27 jet also carried out six passes in front of the RAF plane, getting as close as six metres (19ft) from its nose.
US Launches Nuclear-Capable Minuteman Missile as Russia Begins Strategic Drills
III intercontinental ballistic missile on May 20, one day after Russia began large-scale nuclear exercises involving strategic missile forces, submarines, and aviation.
US officials stated that the launch was planned years in advance and was “not in response to world events.” The test was intended to evaluate both the missile system itself and the personnel responsible for maintaining and operating the US nuclear deterrence infrastructure.
WHO’s nuclear war assessment needs an update to reflect current threats
The new mandate on nuclear weapons is a win for public health, but the UK is on the wrong side of the evidence, writes Bimal Khadka
In May 2025 the World Health Assembly voted 86-14 to instruct the World Health Organization (WHO) to reassess what a nuclear war would mean for people, health systems, and societies. The UK government voted against the resolution, citing duplication of UN processes and budgetary concerns.
Given new evidence on the climate effects of a nuclear war and rising geopolitical tensions, this position is scientifically and ethically untenable. Global health policy must align with evidence, and the UK should officially support WHO’s mandate at the 79th World Health Assembly and engage constructively with its findings.
Protests over nukes coming to Finland
Finland stands at a critical moment. As parliament is considering allowing nuclear weapons to be stationed in the country, and that the vast majority of the public rejects such a policy.
We’re particularly grateful to the parliamentarians standing on the right side of history with us and saying no to these inhumane weapons of mass destruction.
The vast majority of the Finnish public rejects nuclear weapons and their voices must be heard.
Stay tuned for more updates on civil society activity pushing back on this from Finland.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
BRADFORD PEACE FORUM + KNOW YOUR RIGHTS TRAINING (TUESDAY 16TH JUNE, BRADFORD MECHANICS INSTITUTE, 5-7PM)
The Peace Forum aims to strengthen the local peace movement through discussion, networking and sharing information about events. We come from different traditions and backgrounds but are united by our common aim of peace and justice for all.
The Forum intends to host an in-person meeting twice a year with a speaker/discussion and the opportunity for groups and individuals to say what they’re currently involved with, and also a WhatsApp community with an announcements group and a chat group.
The first meeting will be facilitated by three members of the Bradford Women in Blackgroup, and supported by Commonweal.
INDEPENDENCE FROM AMERICA DAY AT MENWITH HILL (SATURDAY 4TH JULY, 3PM-7PM)
You are warmly invited to join the MHAC and Yorkshire CND for 3 pm on 4th July at Kettlesing Village Hall near Menwith Hill for the annual Independence From America demonstration.
The afternoon will include an optional visit to the base itself – to protest and to read the Declaration of Independence From America.
Back at Kettlesing, Dave Webb, chair of Yorkshire CND, will lead on “What is happening now at Menwith Hill?” with visuals of the base.
Dr Carla Ibled of Durham University will speak about “What is happening in Space?” Dr Ibled’s research into the networks involved in long-term lobbying campaigns for the commercialisation of outer space led to the report Star Wars: Why the Left Should Protect the Status of Space as Humanity’s Commons (2025).
Speakers will also include Jim Scott of PARC Against DARC, the campaign set up to oppose the US military building a giant 27-dish DARC radar array in Pembrokeshire with the stated purpose of militarily dominating space. DARC (Deepspace Advanced Radar Capability) is part of AUKUS.
Dr Martin Schweiger will speak on why “Surveillance Matters”.
There will be music as well as we welcome The Commoners Choir: “We sing our own songs, about the world immediately around us, about inequality, hope.”
Konrad Kinard will present excerpts from his latest album, War Is Family (Surviving the Cold War and the Unraveling of an Imagined America), a spoken word and music ‘radio drama/opera’ about growing up in Texas in the Cold War years.
There will also be food and drink and an opportunity to present materials advertising your own group. Contact MHAC ( [email protected] ) to book a table or for more details of the event.
Join the weekly Menwith Hill protest on Tuesdays @ 6-7:30pm
There is a peaceful witness, demonstration and protest outside the Main Gate entrance to the American base at Menwith Hill every Tuesday evening (6 – 7.30 pm). This demonstration has been going almost every week since July 2000.
Please note that there are many bright lights inside the gate now which can be seen for miles; no lighting outside for protesters as there was before.
Wear some warm water proof clothing and bring a high viz vest to keep you warm, dry and safe during the protest.
Please contact Sarah if you’re thinking of coming up: [email protected] / 01765 600928
OFFICE UPDATES
Have you seen our new membership leaflets? It would be great if you could help to distribute them! Please get in touch if
If you have any news to report or you need help – be it getting on a webinar, organising a zoom call or calling an action – contact: [email protected].
Stay Safe. Be kind to yourself and to others. Solidarity from all at Yorkshire CND!