As we move towards autumn the Ukraine War continues to make the public more and more aware of the reality of the nuclear weapon threat. Even Hollywood has got in on the act with Oppenheimer, a movie that has engaged a new audience with the reality of the catastrophe that nuclear weapons threaten. But there is more to the story…
TPNW – The Only Game In Town
In early August members of ICAN Scottish partner organisations attended the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Preparatory Conference in Vienna and were able there to strengthen their international networking and collaboration. The formal conference itself had next to nothing to offer and merely underlined the fact that the nuclear states, including those which are signatories to the NPT, are not willing to take positive steps towards disarmament and indeed with the modernisation and expansion of their arsenals they are travelling in the opposite direction. Not only a lively programme of positive side events, but statement after statement from Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW ) supporting states, academics and civil society gave the lie to the NAS assertion that this time is not conducive to disarmament. Against the dark background of failed outcome documents, the (TPNW), with its emphasis on the hideous reality of these weapons and the consequent need for their elimination, is the only real disarmament game in town.
Meeting In New York
Now signed by 92 UN states and ratified by 68 (with more in the immediate pipeline) the TPNW has been moving forward on the 50 point Action plan developed at the First Meeting of States Parties (MSP1) in June 2022 and preparing for MSP2 taking place from 27th November to 1st December this year in New York. Parliamentarians and members of Scottish partner organisations will be there to make our contribution in solidarity to the progress of the TPNW, to share our frustration at being undemocratically saddled with nuclear weapons that we utterly reject, and to re-kindle our hope for an independent Scotland free from nuclear weapons.
Festival and Film
Back home, two Scottish ICAN partner organisations, Peace and Justice and Secure Scotland, have set up shop in Words and Actions for Peace, their shared premises in 58 Ratcliffe Terrace Edinburgh EH9 1ST. This new space offers scope for meetings, film screenings, resource display and distribution, a shop window on the world, working desks with WIFI, and much else besides. It would be great to see you there – we are usually open from 10 to 4 on weekdays. For more info email contact@wordsandactions.scot.
On Saturday 4th November Scottish CND is hosting a “Festival For Survival”, a gathering exploring the link between nuclear weapons & climate change, with an impressive list of Scottish and international speakers. Secure Scotland will support groups with arranging screenings of a Guided Tour of the Unacceptable over the months leading up to the Festival.