We are living through a period of historic strain on the ideology of Atlanticism. The idea that the United States, United Kingdom and European powers share the same global interests is a relic of the Cold War and is being put to the test. Not since the Suez crisis of the 1950s have the interests of the US on one hand, and the UK and Europe on the other, been so divergent as they are today.
After a month of heavy bombardment of Iran, US troops are being directed towards the Persian gulf from bases around the world, in preparation for an impending ground attack. The Iranian retaliation to the US/Israeli attacks has involved severely disrupting global energy supply by destroying energy infrastructure across the Gulf and, crucially, imposing a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. This has created a turmoil in global energy markets which will hit Europe and the UK hard, causing a further plummeting in living standards.
Despite this, the UK government has again found itself all too willing to support and embroil itself in another disastrous, illegal US war. Despite misleading comments by the Prime Minister early on in the attacks, the UK helped the US to prepare its attack on Iran by allowing transit of well over 100 fighter jets and other air forces through RAF Lakenheath and other airbases in England as well as Prestwick airport in Scotland. Now, the UK is allowing US bombing missions in Iran to take off directly from England.
All this is occurring expressly against the wishes of the UK and Scottish public. There is no assent whatsoever for supporting yet another illegal US war, in which egregious war crimes have already been committed, and which energy experts and economists cohere in saying will have potentially devastating effects on the global economy.
That’s why Scottish CND is joining an anti-war and trades union coalition on Saturday 11th April in Glasgow, to demand a break from immoral and disastrous US foreign policy:
This is the beginning of a long campaign, which will strengthen and grow as the US’ and Israel’s war in Iran escalates. Join us in Glasgow on 11th April to help build the movement against reckless US foreign policy.
Before signing off, Scottish CND would like to thank the organisations which supported our national election hustings, which took place last night in Edinburgh. We were pleased to host representatives from Scottish Greens, Scottish Socialist Party, Scottish National Party and Scottish Labour.
We had a productive exchange which covered issues ranging from Scotland’s climate response, the human rights obligations of the Scottish government and more.
Scottish Liberal Democrats, Scottish Conservatives and Reform UK Scotland did not send representatives despite repeated invitations since January.
A full recording of the event will be accessible on YouTube to watch back soon.
