An exciting New Year for Peace and Disarmament – A message from the Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
We are looking forward to a truly momentous 2021. This is the year that sees the Nuclear Ban become a reality, with the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons on 22 January. It is the year of a vital Scottish Election, and of the critical COP26 negotiations on Climate Change. As we prepare for a year like no other, we look forward to working alongside you, and all our supporters, to build a just and peaceful future for our planet.
10 Anti-Nuclear New Year’s Resolutions
Looking for a New Year’s Resolution that will make a real difference? Here are our suggestions for 2021:
1. Build the movement. If you’re not yet a member of Scottish CND, why not join us now? If you’re already a member, why not gift a membership to a friend? It may be too late for Christmas, but what better way to start the New Year than with a firm commitment to peace!
2. Join your local group. Local CND groups this year have organised events, run campaigns, and persuaded their city councils to commit to a nuclear-free Scotland. Find out more about local groups here, and make a difference close to home.
3. Learn about the Nuclear Ban. One of the most important developments in our lifetime, the treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW, or the Nuclear Ban Treaty) finally outlaws nuclear weapons – this year! Be ready to answer the doubters by using ICAN’s excellent resources, and find out what it means for us in Scotland at nuclearban.scot.
4. Celebrate with us on 22nd January. This is the day the Nuclear Ban Treaty enters into force. Check ICAN’s listing of events and celebrations https://www.icanw.org/events around the world; follow our website or social media for local updates; look out for what other Scottish peace groups, faith groups and parliamentarians will be doing.
5. Register to vote. Scotland goes to the polls on 6 May 2021! We need our politicians to know that #NukesAreMyRedLine – there is no place for nuclear weapons in Scotland, or the UK. The first step to making your voice heard is by registering to vote – find out how to do so here.
6. Give what you can. Can you afford a one-off or regular donation to support our nuclear disarmament campaign? Or could you give your time or skills by volunteering with us? Get in touch and let us know if you can help!
7. Use your connections. This year, more than ever, we need to reach the wider world. We need climate activists to understand the nuclear threat. We need political activists to understand that a nuclear-free Scotland must be at the heart of this Election. Who is in your circle? Can you reach and teach others about nuclear risks, and help us to build a common cause?
8. Promote the pledge. Ask your City Council to sign up to ICAN’s Pledge https://cities.icanw.org/ to support the Nuclear Ban Treaty. There’s also a Parliamentarians’ Pledge – ICAN are preparing new ways for representatives who’ve pledged to promote the Treaty, so let’s be ready to talk to the many MSPs who are already signed up about what’s needed next!
9. Ask your bank or pension provider to divest from nukes. Don’t want your money to help fuel the nuclear industry? Why not use Don’t Bank on the Bomb’s template letters to ask your bank or pension provider to stop investing in nuclear weapons? Financial pressure can help to change international attitudes to nukes long before governments catch up!
10. Get ready for COP26. Nuclear war and climate change are two existential threats facing humankind – we need to act urgently to stop both. The international climate conference is coming to Glasgow this November/ and we will be getting involved throughout the year. If you care about the links between nuclear weapons and climate change, and want to get directly involved in our campaigning, please let us know! We’d love to hear from you.
