Great news CND and peace work recognised
WHAT wonderful news to hear that the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to ICAN – the global peace network of which CND (the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) is a partner organisation.
At a time when the prospect of nuclear war seems closer than it has for a generation, the award of this prestigious prize is an essential recognition of the global majority against nuclear weapons - and the movement that has done so much to counter the MAD arms race (mutually-assured destruction).
Campaigners have worked tirelessly over the past few years, together with the 122 states who agreed the first ever nuclear weapons ban treaty at the United Nations just a few weeks ago.
We congratulate all the grassroots activists and campaigners in Britain, and around the world, who have done so much to make this possible.
Shamefully, Britain did not sign up to this multi-lateral option, which is what the government have always said they supported.
Some Tory members of CND going into their conference in Manchester last week quietly said that they supported our campaigning work. It is fitting that Greater Manchester CND played a part in achieving this award as the city already hosts a Nobel Peace Prize, jointly awarded to the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) 20 years ago for its part in achieving the Ottawa Treaty, the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, to which 162 nations signed up, including Britain. Greater Manchester CND
McDonnell’s climate vow
MARK Hudson and your anonymous correspondent who are exasperated with the council’s apparent failure to match actions to their warm words on climate change (M.E.N. Viewpoints, October 2 and
3) may draw comfort from Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell.
In the Cathedral last week at the People’s Assembly counter-conference he received an ovation for saying an incoming Labour government would ‘bring back climate change as one of our key priorities.’
He said that in the first five years, or at least the second term, they would make Britain world leaders in decarbonising our economy. Perhaps MCC is still spellbound by the out-of-date vision of doing nothing to upset big business and its ‘not our job, we need to get back to business as usual’ mentality but many others aren’t. Claiming to take climate change seriously while championing ever-increasing leisure flying and air freighting goods around the world shows people are either regarded as fools or the promoters are suffering from ‘double-think.’
We have to get over our selfishness and short-termist greed and that may require sacrifices for our children and grandchildren’s future. What caring carer wouldn’t do that?
Although the Greens locally got a hammering in the election that was largely due to the Corbyn bounce – no councillor or MP should assume they own their office, as the Lib Dems found out. Leaving an unpleasant job to someone else shows carelessness or a cynical failure to take responsibility.
Unlike Mr McDonnell, the council and its key officers already have power and office. Let’s hope they swallow their pride and follow the radicalism of their party’s leadership with significant and irrefutable public action. Jim Spass, Manchester
Admiration for Theresa
I CAN’T believe how childish and nasty people have been about Theresa May and her speech. A tickly cough could affect anybody and it was unfortunate for her it happened during her speech.
The stupid man who shoved a piece of paper under her nose deserved more ridicule than she is getting.
The participants on ‘ Have I Got News For You’ were especially childish in their remarks – they were like silly children trying to get a laugh.
I admire her for not giving in to these silly people, there are many like myself who admire her for carrying on.