BANNIVERSARY!

nuclear, new year, bells and smells and ways & means free sunday lunch

Two days left to share good news. Wednesday 22 January is the anniversary of the day that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) entered into force. We are asking people to share memories of 2021!

On that day, disarmament campaigners celebrated all over the UK. There are lots of pictures – you may have taken them or be in them. We need to remind people now, and mark how the Treaty has grown in numbers, and even more in its influence.

The member states which have signed the Treaty into law are getting ready for their third meeting, in March, (TPNW 3MSP) to discuss what progress has been made, and what needs done next. States (like the UK) which have not signed could send delegates to observe - and even offer contributions to discussions - lets all ask them to! Let’s share the news about what needs to happen at 3MSP

On Wednesday lets celebrate that:

• Half of the world’s countries -representing over 2.5 billion people - are on board with the treaty banning nuclear weapons. 

• The TPNW is presenting a reality-based plan to get rid of nuclear weapons which involves governments, elected representatives, international organisations, civil society, the financial sector, and impacted communities 

• It is the only disarmament Treaty that notes that indigenous communities and women are disproportionately affected by nuclear weapons.

• The number of institutions investing in nuclear weapons is dropping every year since the treaty was adopted, global financial institutions are recognising that their investments in nuclear weapons are simply not worth the reputational and legal risk.

See/contact all ICAN Scottish Partners at nuclearban (dot) scot

On the 22nd Bill Kidd MSP hosts the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Nuclear Disarmament, and seek support for a motion for the Parliament to call on the UK government to attend, at least as observers. If you would like to attend, email scndcpg@yahoo.com

We are developing our ‘Keeping Safe’ board game and would love to visit groups to share and play it as a fun way to explore the real meaning of security and what is needed to provide it. COME AND SEE!

This Sunday 26th, we will hold our first Community Lunch of 2025, at the usual time of 12 – 2.00, with a chance to meet new faces and chat with old friends over a free simple lunch. All welcome to drop in, collect a copy of The News and browse the wide range of books. The books section is due an upgrade, supported by Lighthouse books and following our stall at their Radical Book Fair, we are planning some related events this year with them

2025 not only sees the third meeting of the countries who have signed the Treaty On the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) but also the review conference of the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in New York, where we can ensure Scotland’s voice will be heard on this vital issue. 2025 is also the 80th anniversary of the US attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the indiscriminate and inhumane effects of which are still felt by Japanese civilians and their grandchildren today. Activities will be coordinated nationally and internationally, so keep in touch at nuclearban.scot

We will continue to provide space for groups and individuals to meet work and inform each other, and to work with Parliamentarians, academics and activists in exploring what is needed for real lasting security in and outside of Scotland.

We are very happy to have help from the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust for the overheads at WandA but we need to raise funds for our projects. We will be upgrading our book selling area and we have some handmade scented beeswax candles for sale, to soothe and aid relaxation, and we have a special Art Sale coming up, of work donated to raise funds to support us, including prints by Alistair Gray and other quality pieces of art.

If you like the idea of Scotland's voice being heard at the UN or that Secure Scotland speaks out to Parliamentarians and church leaders and organises events, or even if you just think its a good thing that we are here, please help us to keep going.

1.Set up a monthly standing order to Secure Scotland, sort code 80 08 23, account number 10270968

2.Use our lovely space; there is a very simple USER AGREEMENT, and a BOOKING FORM (for anyone who want to use the space at WandA), so if you think you may want to host a meeting here or use the place for a gig or other event, email us to get copies, complete and return.

No charge to just register as a WandA user, then we can offer you an appropriate arrangement when you decide on an event. Once you have registered with us, we can discuss details of layout, timing and the support needed. If you can afford to set up a regular monthly payment of at least £5 (more if you can manage), you can hold at least one meeting here at no cost per year, or regular meetings at a reduced cost of £10 per hour. We want to be flexible, so let us know if you have another payment suggestion.

Words and Actions for Peace (WandA), is hosted by Secure Scotland, which receives financial support from the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust

WandA is drop-in gallery and resource base - available for public or private meetings, film and acoustic music nights

General enquiries contact@wordsandactions.scot 

Open Monday - Friday 10.00 - 16.00 

(Secure Scotland, Peace & Justice Scotland, Scottish WILPF, CAAT and others work from WandA )

Secure Scotland Media enquiries +44 (0)7795594573

or +44 (0)7876593016

Secure Scotland Project enquiries hello@securescotland.scot  

Socials : @securescotland on Substack, instagram, Youtube, X , Facebook