Dear London CND supporter
It may not be usual to get a message from a London CND Vice President, however ancient, but this cause is a very good one which I absolutely support. We in CND have a great opportunity in front of us right now. It must not be missed.
The Afghanistan shambles has undermined much previous thinking about 'security '. Now is the time for us to get people to think again about nuclear weapons especially Trident, its massive cost, dangers, and threats to us all. Many things need to be done to stimulate and expand this new thinking.
But some initiatives cost money which is why I am asking urgently for your help. Below you can see how much London Region has already done – and then be as generous as you can.
Our year began with an online Annual Conference, with some stellar speakers, and included a breakout session aimed at students about military influences in UK universities. We launched our London’s Nuclear Ban Communities initiative at conference too and have followed up with monthly NBC meetings to discuss progress. We’ve also designed an NBC leaflet for national CND, to assist other groups collecting local support for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
We’ve expanded the London Committee to get more of our local groups involved, and I’m pleased to say there’s been a steady take-up. Supported by London Region, CND groups in south east London got together to launch SE London Network for Peace, Justice, and Solidarity, and Richmond is looking to join forces with others in south west London. And I’m especially delighted to announce the birth of Lambeth CND which is already planning its second public event.
With the easing of Covid restrictions we’ve all begun in-person activities again. London Region has taken part in Kill the Bill protests, the Nurses Not Nukes contingent of the People’s Assembly demonstration and most recently in Parliament Square when MPs debated Afghanistan. I was really pleased we were able to hold our traditional Hiroshima Commemoration in Tavistock Square Gardens again this year and stream it live on Facebook for those who couldn’t attend in person. (I’m assured this latter attracted lots of people, though I’m glad to say I was at Tavistock Sq!)
We are now turning our attention to promoting local group activities – as you can see from London CND’s website and social media. Events are in the planning stage for London students as the new term gets underway; and I hope that my fellow London Vice President Catherine West MP will soon be able to hold another Students Parliamentary Reception, much delayed by Covid lockdowns.
As I said above, moving out of lockdown will cost money. We’ve already bought a shiny new banner to celebrate being out on the streets! And we’re starting to think about an in-person and internet streamed 2022 conference, despite big increases in hall-hire costs.
London CND is self-financing, relying on contributions from our generous and loyal supporters.
Please donate if you can, or better still make a regular financial commitment, by completing this form and returning it to London CND at:
London CND
162 Holloway Rd
London N7 8DQ
If you make a bank transfer, please reference it ‘Appeal’.
With warm wishes,
Bruce Kent
London CND Vice President