We would like to thank all those who attended our Annual General meeting last Saturday, whether online or in person.
We enjoyed presentations from our guests about the status of international arms control treaties, how our domestic context of militarism risks jeopardising economic prosperity, and how campaigners can work with independent media outlets to challenge militarism in mainstream political discussion.
The full online recording including guest contributions will be available to watch back on our YouTube channel:
We also handled procedural matters relating to our campaign and proposed concrete steps towards immediate campaign actions, both in resolutions and in our lively debate session.
Both the AGM and our major peace conference earlier this month have aimed to galvanise our campaign at a time where the nuclear threat is heightening worldwide. The “deterrence” regime has manifestly failed. Violent conflict is becoming increasingly normalised, with nuclear states themselves the foremost perpetrators.
Meanwhile, international treaties like New START intended to constrain the recklessness of nuclear-armed states are falling away, with no good-faith efforts to renew them. This is probably no accident, as all these actors are pursuing exorbitantly expensive programmes to “modernise” their nuclear capabilities by integrating these with new and volatile technologies that further escalate tensions and increase risks.
Respecting and reinforcing international law would inhibit these dangerous developments. But instead of adhering to a rules-based system to ensure international security, nuclear-weapons states have chosen to pursue a new Cold War arms race.
All this shows what we have already known: that nuclear “deterrence” is a smokescreen for the belligerence and aggressive militarism of the major world powers. Far from being a matter of defence and security, the logic nuclear militarism is at the very root of the increasingly dangerous world in which we live today. That is why, instead of conceding to these renewed cold-war narratives, our movement must resist them now more than ever. It is we who are serious about a safer world, and nuclear weapons boosters who are dangerously misinformed about what security really means.
That is why we are organising a demonstration at Faslane on Saturday 14th of March 2026, base for the UK’s nuclear submarines and foremost target for a nuclear strike for that reason. Scottish CND aim to take a stand against the nuclear menace, and show politicians in the run-up to the May 2026 Scottish elections that these omnicide weapons are a threat to the country.
Last week we launched a fundraiser to help fund logistics and promotion for that demonstration – we have already raised over £300 in just one week! At a sustained pace we could easily raise our goal of £1500 by January. Donate today to help our Faslane demonstration be as high-profile and accessible as possible!
The military establishments of nuclear-armed states want us to think that a new Cold War arms race is the only path forward. It is not. In the absence of strong, moral and intelligent leadership, it is we in civil society that must show the alternative vision for future security. This vision must be based in robust international law and humanitarian values – both of which nuclear weapons are ultimately incompatible with.
With thanks for your enduring support,
Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament