News
Scottish CND call for a diplomatic response in relation to North Korea situation
- Details
- Published on Wednesday, 30 August 2017 11:14
Arthur West, chair of Scottish CND has said that the increasing tensions over North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities require an urgent diplomatic solution.
"People across the world are finding the current situation absolutely frightening.
During the Korean War in the early 1950's more than three million people lost their lives . Should war erupt again there could be an even bigger loss of life particularly if nuclear weapons are used."
"Scottish CND is strongly supporting a diplomatic solution to the current situation.
We are therefore happy to endorse the call by the United Nations General Secretary for talks involving China ,Japan, North Korea, Russia, South Korea and the US. We would also suggest that these talks give priority to establishing a North-East Asian Nuclear Weapons Free Zone."
Arthur West concluded by saying that it is also vitally important that all parties to the current dispute refrain from proactive military exercises and inflammatory and aggressive public statements.
Tribute for Marshallese “climate hero” Tony de Brum
- Details
- Published on Wednesday, 23 August 2017 13:28
Motion Number: S5M-07225
Lodged By: Bill Kidd
Date Lodged: 22/08/2017
Title: Tony de Brum, Climate and Anti-nuclear Crusader
Motion Text:
That the Parliament notes the passing of Tony de Brum, the former Foreign Minister of the Republic of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean; understands that he who was one of the first Marshall islanders to graduate from university, becoming his country's chief negotiator in achieving reparations for the nuclear test annihilation and poisoning of Bikini Atoll; acknowledges that he was noted internationally as a high-profile climate change campaigner due to the threats to his low-lying island nation; understands that he witnessed 67 nuclear tests as a child, which devastated his homeland, and that, having become his country's Foreign Minister, he spoke on the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty at both the UN and at the International Court of Justice, becoming recognised as a voice of knowledge, passion and reason on this issue, and sends its sincere condolences to the Marshall Islands, and, in particular, to Tony's wife, three children,10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren
Scottish CND statement on North Korea Crisis
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 17 August 2017 09:48
The current tensions between North Korea and the US continue to give concern.
Scottish CND take a firm view that diplomacy is the best way forward.
Arthur West chair of Scottish CND said,
'Donald Trump needs to think before he speaks.
'As former US Vice President Al Gore said he needs to listen to those sensible voices who are urging diplomacy and restraint in this difficult situation.'
Donald Trump 's recent comments on North Korea risk heightening tension
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 10 August 2017 10:12
Scottish CND have said that the recent comments by US President Donald Trump on North Korea are very unhelpful and irresponsible
Arthur West chair of Scottish CND said:
"Donald Trump 's recent comments on North Korea risk heightening tension.
The US president has a duty to consider what he says on the public stage before he flys off the handle with unhelpful and irresponsible comments."
Arthur West added
"Developments in North Korea are very worrying but careful words and responsible behaviour are required by world leaders at this difficult time.
Trump frankly needs to start thinking before he opens his mouth."
Ask your MPs & MSPs to sign this Pledge in support of the UN Ban Treaty
- Details
- Published on Wednesday, 09 August 2017 10:37
When you write your MP or MSP, here is an easy ask. Ahead of the negotiations for the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) enlisted support from 856 parliamentarians in 42 countries.
Now ICAN is seeking parliamentarians' support the new Parliamentary Pledge – a commitment to work for the signature and ratification of the treaty.
This is an ideal tool for us in Scotland to exert pressure on the UK government - who failed to participate in the negotiations - and to highlight the wall-to-wall opposition to nuclear weapons in Scotland.
Parliamentarians at Westminster or Holyrood can add their names to the Pledge by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or using the form on the link below. ICAN's website will let the world see what Scottish Parliamentarians think.
The form is here:
It's just over a month until the treaty opens for signature. Let's work hard to have a large number of parliamentarians on board by then.
Hiroshima Events 2017
- Details
- Published on Monday, 31 July 2017 14:53
Aberdeen
Aug 6th, 12 noon -2 pm - Union Terrace Gardens
Yu Auki who lives in Aberdeen and comes from Hiroshima will be one of the speakers at the event.
Ayrshire
Aug 5th, 11 am – 12 noon - Street stall, Bridgegate, Irvine
Aug 6th, 1.30 pm - 2.30 pm - door to door leafleting session, meeting at the The Cross, Prestwick
Aug 9th, 12 noon - 12.30 pm - gathering at the Wallace Tower, Ayr. There will be short speeches, readings and an opportunity to stand in solidarity with the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear weapons attacks.
Arrests at Coupolt, Brian Quail imprisoned until 3rd August
- Details
- Published on Friday, 14 July 2017 13:52
The Trident Ploughshares' Coulport Disarmament Camp has seen lively actions all this week to disrupt the Trident nuclear weapons programme. SCND executive member Brian Quail was one of the first to be arrested when he blockaded the road by locking arms with Angie Zelter, founder member of TP. Both refused bail conditions that would restrict their access to the base or the camp, and expect to remain in custody until 3rd August.