Firstly, some important links:
- Scottish CND has launched a Substack, where we plan to publish all our articles, such as our fortnightly column in The National, as well as other campaigning and research material. We invite all supporters to subscribe for free, and keep up to date with our commentary, analysis and advocacy on nuclear issues!
- Last week’s webinar on the AUKUS submarine deal is now uploaded to YouTube. Click here to visit our YouTube page – remember to like the video and subscribe to our channel!
- A reminder that members can now register for our AGM taking place online on Saturday 14th November. Information regarding resolution & nomination deadlines is available here.
Secondly, Scottish CND invite all members and supporters to join us outside the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh from 12:30pm-2pm on Thursday 8th of October, to mark Keep Space for Peace Week.
Space has been on the agenda in domestic and international news. Last week, the UK government announced an award of £30m to SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland.
This is the Scottish spaceport site in the most advanced stage of development, with the first rocket launch promoted for 2027.
This comes in the context of the recent US announcement it has stationed ‘weapons’ in space – the first time any country has admitted to doing so.
Throughout the 20th century, space has been a frontier for adversary tensions, espionage and potential conflict. But space technologies are increasingly integrated into civilian life too – providing things like GPS, remote internet and weather services that many of us use every day.
That’s why the increasing militarisation of space is so dangerous: satellites being dual-use technologies means that conflict in space could have disastrous and uncontrollable spillover effects – for instance the infamous Kessler Syndrome.
Furthermore, the more infrastructure such as spaceports are considered military assets, the more they could be considered targets. That means Scottish communities could be at risk if spaceports in our country rely on military contracts.
That’s why Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament aims to deliver a letter to several MSPs next Thursday, urging their commitment to the strictly peaceful uses of Scotland’s spaceports.
If Scotland is to have a space industry, it should not contribute to a dangerous arms race in space – something which poses incalculable dangers for our country and international safety.