Statement on Afghanistan

The UK invaded Afghanistan in the1830s, 1870s, and again in 1919. The Soviets invaded in 1979, the US and it's NATO allies in 2001. Every time foreign forces have been driven out. Why can't our politicians learn the lessons of history?

The US spent over $2.25 trillion on its war in Afghanistan with the loss of over a quarter of a million lives. For what?

Parliament has reconvened to discuss Afghanistan but there's little hope politicians have learned the lessons of history. Only a few led by Jeremy Corbyn are calling for an end to military adventures like this.

CND and STW gathered outside parliament as today’s debate began to call for an end to foreign adventures like Afghanistan

Jeremy Corbyn, Richard Burgon, Bell Ribeiro-Addy and Zara Sultana are taking Boris Johnson on over Afghanistan.

Remembering Hiroshima in Kingston

Kingston Peace Council/CND held a Hiroshima commemoration on August 6th 2021.

It started with a vigil with posters from 12 to 1pm at the Bentalls Centre, with Sarah and Tony from MPD (Musicians for Peace and Disarmament).

At 8.15 pm an assembly gathered by the river in Canbury Gardens Kingston for a short candlelit commemoration in the presence of the Mayor, Cllr Sushila Abraham, and her husband.

Remembering Hiroshima in Wimbledon

Sue Jones reports on the Wimbledon Disarmament Coalition/CND event commemorating the 76th anniversary of the nuclear bombing in Hiroshima.

‘We met, as we have done for many years, at Rushmere Pond on Wimbledon Common.  We were so lucky that the rain passed and it stayed dry, though windy.

Gill McCall set up our Peace Table near the pond, and conducted a Masterclass in making origami paper boats, with adults and children queueing up to make their own, each with a nightlight, for floating on the pond after the short ceremony.  Despite the wind, the candles on some of the boats stayed alight and they reached the far side of the pond.

‘Group member William Rhind led the proceedings. The Rev. Alison Judge, a local vicar, read from the Beatitudes -  'Blessed are the Peacemakers' was particularly relevant, and ended with the poem 'Let us be Midwives', by Sadako Kurihara.  Kevin O'Brien from Merton & Sutton Trades Council, and himself a former nurse, spoke about the obscene waste of money on Trident, and the increase in nuclear warheads, especially when NHS workers are being offered so little. 

Alison Williams read 'Chernobyl' by Fay Roberts, and William Rhind read ‘I come and Stand at every Door’ by Nazim Hikmet Ran, on behalf of our Chair, Maisie Carter. We were delighted that Maisie was able to be present. Having just celebrated her 94th birthday, she's our shining light!’