Arms Trade

Justice & Peace Scotland UK Arms Trade Campaign 2020

Podcast Interviews On The Arms Trade

Image: Campaign Against the Arms Trade February 2020
28/02/2020
Campaign Against the Arms Trade February 2020

Interview with Michael Sutherland of the Glasgow Catholic Worker


Click here to download
Image: Campaign Against The Arms Trade
20/01/2020
Campaign Against The Arms Trade

Interview with Andrew Smith of the Campaign Against Arms Trade.


Click here to download

News Articles 2024

News Articles 2023

Image: Scottish bishops remember Hiroshima
07/08/2023
Scottish bishops remember Hiroshima

On Hiroshima Day, 6 August, Scotland Justice and Peace tweeted a reminder of the Scottish bishops' statement of 1982.  ICN

Image: Holy See urges UN to seek an end to the war in Ukraine
20/07/2023
Holy See urges UN to seek an end to the war in Ukraine

 “use all diplomatic means, even those that may not have been used so far, to bring an end to this terrible tragedy,” since “war in itself is an error and a horror.”  Vatican News.

 

Image: Nuclear Weapons “Sharing” Is a Dangerous Practice That Brings Us Closer to War 
11/07/2023
Nuclear Weapons “Sharing” Is a Dangerous Practice That Brings Us Closer to War 

“Presidents Biden and Putin should come to an agreement that both U.S. and Russian nuclear sharing must end.”  Truth Out.

Image: Justice & Peace Scotland Weekend of Action
19/06/2023
Justice & Peace Scotland Weekend of Action

Justice and Peace Scotland are hosting a 'Weekend of Action' on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 23, 24 and 25 June.  Find out more here.  ICN

Image: Nuclear arms spending, arsenals swell as global tensions grow: studies
15/06/2023
Nuclear arms spending, arsenals swell as global tensions grow: studies

The world's nuclear powers, and China in particular, increased investment in their arsenals for a third consecutive year in 2022 amid swelling geopolitical tensions.  France24

Image: Ukraine war: Workers at deteriorating Zaporizhzhia plant fear 'devastation worse than Chernobyl
31/05/2023
Ukraine war: Workers at deteriorating Zaporizhzhia plant fear 'devastation worse than Chernobyl

The Zaporizhzhia power plant was taken under Russia control last March, becoming one of the first major areas to be captured by Vladimir Putin's forces - but staff say they are intimidated by Russian troops to keep quiet about what's happening behind closed doors.  Sky News.

Image: Abolitiion of Torture - Pope Video June 2023
31/05/2023
Abolitiion of Torture - Pope Video June 2023

Pope Francis' Prayer Intention for June:  "For the abolition of torture - We pray that the international community may commit in a concrete way to ensuring the abolition of torture and guarantee support to victims and their families."

Image:  UK arms sales reach record £8.5bn as global tensions escalate
23/05/2023
UK arms sales reach record £8.5bn as global tensions escalate

The previous high was £6.9bn in 2015, a time when Syria had collapsed into civil war.  “The latest export licence figures for 2022 show that the UK arms industry is working overtime to arm some of the world’s most authoritarian regimes,”  The Guardian.  

Image: Catholic Church appoints new Social Justice Officer
10/05/2023
Catholic Church appoints new Social Justice Officer

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland have announced the appointment of Anne Marie Clements as the new Catholic Social Teaching Engagement Officer for the National Justice and Peace Commission.

Image: Parolin: Russia and Ukraine know of Vatican peace mission
10/05/2023
Parolin: Russia and Ukraine know of Vatican peace mission

Archbishop Paul Gallagher, acknowledged the lack of progress in the Vatican’s attempts at mediation but said they would continue.  “Even if there seem to be no openings for negotiations at the moment, we must never lose hope, believing that this war will end"  The Tablet.  

 

Image: Pope Francis: For my anniversary I would like peace
14/03/2023
Pope Francis: For my anniversary I would like peace

"Behind the wars, there is the arms industry, this is diabolical," Pope Francis says.  ICN

 

Image: Revealed: Nuclear convoy crash test ‘chaotic, confused and incompetent’
13/03/2023
Revealed: Nuclear convoy crash test ‘chaotic, confused and incompetent’

An exercise testing the emergency response to a nuclear bomb convoy crashing, exploding and spreading a cloud of radioactive contamination was plagued by errors and confusion, according to official reports.  Sunday Post. 

Image: REPENT - Ash Wednesday 2023 Peace Witness at Faslane
22/02/2023
REPENT - Ash Wednesday 2023 Peace Witness at Faslane

Justice & Peace Scotland joined Glasgow Catholic Worker and Pax Christi Scotland at the Faslane Ash Wednesday service of repentence for nuclear weapons kept here in Scotland and all across the world.  A short excerpt from the service here

Image: We're Hiring
20/02/2023
We're Hiring

Justice & Peace Scotland are recruiting for a new full time position - Catholic Social Teaching Engagement Officer.  Click the link for further details.  

Image: Scottish Peace Witnesses to mark 1 year of Ukraine Invasion
16/02/2023
Scottish Peace Witnesses to mark 1 year of Ukraine Invasion

Peace witnesses will be held in Edinburgh & Glasgow on Friday 24th February 2023 to mark the 1st anniversary of the Invasion of Ukraine.  More details here.

Image: The Scottish Screening of 'The Letter'
26/01/2023
The Scottish Screening of 'The Letter'

The Laudato Si’ Movement and the Care of Creation Office have organised an online Scottish screening of the film The Letter: A Message For Our Earth for Thursday 2nd February at 7.00pm.

Image: Pope tells all Christians to oppose war and injustice wherever they appear - Do Good, Seek Justice
26/01/2023
Pope tells all Christians to oppose war and injustice wherever they appear - Do Good, Seek Justice

“We can imagine with what suffering he (God) must witness wars and acts of violence perpetrated by those who call themselves Christians.”  Vatican News.

Image: Holy Land Coordination Group Statement
19/01/2023
Holy Land Coordination Group Statement

Bishops, including Archbishop Nolan, from across Europe and North America who make up the Holy Land Coordination Group  have released this statement following their recent visit to Jordan to support the Christian population there. image Mazur/cbcew.org.uk.

Image: Justice & Peace Sunday 2023 - video
07/01/2023
Justice & Peace Sunday 2023 - video

Archbishop Nolan, President of Justice & Peace Scotland, delivers his yearly message to be read at all services in Scotland across the weekend of 7th/8th January 2023, the Feast of the Epiphany.  

Image: Prayers of the faithful - Feast of the Epiphany
07/01/2023
Prayers of the faithful - Feast of the Epiphany
Justice & Peace Sunday

The suggested prayers, below, were edited from contributions of several of our National Commissioners. You are encouraged to use some of them at the Sacred Liturgy in your worshipping community.

Image: Justice & Peace Sunday
07/01/2023
Justice & Peace Sunday

Archbishop Nolan releases this message to be read at all Catholic Churches on 7th & 8th January 2023.

News Articles 2022

Image: Archbishop to join J&P prayer vigil at nuclear base
26/10/2022
Archbishop to join J&P prayer vigil at nuclear base

Justice & Peace supporters will be at the North Gate at Faslane Nuclear Base in Scotland on Saturday, 29th October, at 1pm to pray for peace and an end to nuclear weapons.  ICN.

Image: Justice & Peace Europe International Workshop 7- 9 October
10/10/2022
Justice & Peace Europe International Workshop 7- 9 October

The Justice & Peace Europe International Workshop took place from 7-9 October in Assisi and Rondine.  More than sixty participants from 21 countries were present. Here is the final declaration: 

Image: The Letter:  Laudato Si Film
29/09/2022
The Letter: Laudato Si Film

In 2015, Pope Francis wrote Laudato Si’ (The Letter); an encyclical letter about the environmental crisis to every single person in the world. A few years later, four voices that have gone unheard in global conversations have been invited to an unprecedented dialogue with the Pope. Trailer - film release 4th Oct.

Image: Vatican reaffirms support for Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
27/09/2022
Vatican reaffirms support for Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

At a time in which nuclear rhetoric and the threat of nuclear war is on the rise, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin has stressed the Holy See's firm stance against nuclear tests and expressed its support for the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.  ICN

Image: Where Do We Start On Mobilisation?  
27/09/2022
Where Do We Start On Mobilisation?  

1982: Since I have been asked to do so, and not because I have any exclusive wisdom, experience or success in this field, I would like to share a few thoughts on the work of trying to mobilise public opinion for disarmament.  Peace News.

Image: OBITUARY: BRUCE KENT: 22 JUNE 1929 – 8 JUNE 2022
12/09/2022
OBITUARY: BRUCE KENT: 22 JUNE 1929 – 8 JUNE 2022

Already aware of the immorality of nuclear weapons, Bruce joined Christian CND in 1960. In 1975, he carried out an exorcism of a Polaris nuclear submarine at the base in Faslane, in Scotland, with the words ‘From the willingness to murder, Good Lord, deliver us.’

 

Image: Liz Truss' appalling record on UK arms exports cause for alarm
08/09/2022
Liz Truss' appalling record on UK arms exports cause for alarm

In the last month, attacks against civilians and other related violence have resulted in 232 civilian casualties including 57 children. The last week of July witnessed the highest increase of child casualties in one week since early 2020.  CAAT

 

Image: End UK Arms Sales For Use in Yemen
19/08/2022
End UK Arms Sales For Use in Yemen

The war in Yemen is made possible by UK arms sales of £22bn since March 2015. The Campaign Against The Arms Trade are handing this letter into the new Prime Minister on 6th September - please take a minute to sign the letter today.

Image: A Life of Mission
04/08/2022
A Life of Mission

On the memorial of St John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests, Fr Eugenio Montesi SX talks of his life and vocation in this Missio Scotland podcast recalling how the motto of the Xaverians - to make the world a single family - inspired him to a life of service.

Image: Ukraine war: IAEA says Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant out of control
04/08/2022
Ukraine war: IAEA says Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant out of control

"You have a catalogue of things that should never be happening in any nuclear facility," BBC News
 

Image: NJPN Conference 2022: 'Let us build the City of God'
26/07/2022
NJPN Conference 2022: 'Let us build the City of God'

All talks from NJPN Conference 2022, 'Hope is a verb with its sleeves rolled up' can be seen on Youtube here  

Image: Pope's message to the 1st meeting of the State Parties to the TPNW
27/06/2022
Pope's message to the 1st meeting of the State Parties to the TPNW

At this particular moment in history where the world seems to be at a crossroads, the courageous vision of this legal instrument, strongly inspired by ethical and moral arguments, appears ever more timely....

Image: Sad, tired and angry: A prayer in the face of gun violence
30/05/2022
Sad, tired and angry: A prayer in the face of gun violence

Turn my sadness into compassion. Turn my tiredness into advocacy.  America Magazine.  

Image: Vatican foreign minister to visit Kyiv, meet Ukrainian counterpart
11/05/2022
Vatican foreign minister to visit Kyiv, meet Ukrainian counterpart

As the war in Ukraine wages on, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, British Archbishop Paul Gallagher, is planning to visit Kyiv next week, where he is expected to hold top level meetings.  CRUX.

Image: Earth Day  - 22nd April 2022
19/04/2022
Earth Day - 22nd April 2022

The Earth Day 2022 Theme is Invest In Our Planet. This is the moment to change it all — the business climate, the political climate, and how we take action on climate. Now is the time for the unstoppable courage to preserve and protect our health, our families, our livelihoods.  Earthday.org.

Image: Holy See: No place for nuclear weapons in collective security
19/04/2022
Holy See: No place for nuclear weapons in collective security

The Pontifical Academy for Sciences issues a declaration calling for an end to the war in Ukraine and urging nations to avoid the proliferation of nuclear weapons.  Vatican News.

Image: The 40th Anniversary of the Scottish Bishops 1982 statement on Peace & Disarmament
19/04/2022
The 40th Anniversary of the Scottish Bishops 1982 statement on Peace & Disarmament

Justice & Peace Scotland, in conjunction with Sancta Familia Media have produced a video featuring four of our Scottish Bishops with many young people and laity representing every diocese in Scotland to reaffirm our opposition to nuclear weapons and to mark the 40th anniversary the Scottish Bishops 1982 landmark statement on nuclear weapons.

Image: Fossil fuels were always dangerous. Now they're fueling war on my doorstep.
28/03/2022
Fossil fuels were always dangerous. Now they're fueling war on my doorstep.

Irrefutably, fossil fuels have become a weapon of mass destruction, both for war in Ukraine and in the climate crisis. Still, we must continue believing that we can overcome not only a war in Ukraine and conflicts in other regions of the world but also our dependency on oil, gas and coal, now and forever.  Earthbeat.

 

Image: Marking the 40th Anniversary of Scottish Bishops 1982 statement on Nuclear Weapons
24/03/2022
Marking the 40th Anniversary of Scottish Bishops 1982 statement on Nuclear Weapons

 “In March 1982 the Scottish Bishops published a pastoral letter on Peace and Disarmament.  In this letter they challenged not just the use of nuclear weapons, something the church has always condemned, but they challenged also the very notion of deterrence and the morality of deterrence". ICN.

Image: Pope tells Russian Orthodox leader there’s no such thing as ‘just war’
17/03/2022
Pope tells Russian Orthodox leader there’s no such thing as ‘just war’

Pope Francis speaks with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill by videoconference on Wednesday, March 16.  Crux

Image: Ash Wednesday Witness at Faslane
02/03/2022
Ash Wednesday Witness at Faslane

Please join us if you can at the South Gate at Faslane on Ash Wednesday, 2nd March 2022 at (3pm) as we  witness to the Peace of Christ at the home of Trident.

Image: Bruce Kent delivers CND letter to Russian Embassy
02/03/2022
Bruce Kent delivers CND letter to Russian Embassy

Veteren #Peace campaigner Bruce Kent delivers a letter to the Russian embassy in London urging the Russian Gov to de-escalate.  ICN.

Image: Pope appoints new Archbishop of Glasgow
04/02/2022
Pope appoints new Archbishop of Glasgow

"As I overcome my initial shock at being appointed Archbishop my thoughts now turn to the challenges that lies ahead....from now on I belong to Glasgow. And I assure the people of Glasgow of my commitment and dedication to them.  ICN.

Image: William Nolan to be next Archbishop of Glasgow
04/02/2022
William Nolan to be next Archbishop of Glasgow

Pope Francis has named justice and peace champion Bishop William Nolan to lead the Archdiocese of Glasgow.  The Tablet.

Image: ‘I will not leave my family to die here’: A photojournalist in Yemen’s Marib
01/02/2022
‘I will not leave my family to die here’: A photojournalist in Yemen’s Marib
#YemenUnderAttack

The people in the camp don't have anything left. They escaped their houses and didn't take anything. Most of them ran at night, because the fighting suddenly started in their villages.  Humanitarian, Image (Nabil Alawzari/TNH)

Image: Day of Prayer For Ukraine
25/01/2022
Day of Prayer For Ukraine

Pope Francis at his Jan. 23 Sunday Angelus said he is deeply concerned by growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine and called for a day of prayer for peace Jan. 26

Image: UN rights office warns over violent escalation in Yemen and beyond
19/01/2022
UN rights office warns over violent escalation in Yemen and beyond

So far in January (2022), there were 839 airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition, compared with 1,074 for the whole of December,” UN News.

 

Image: Justice & Peace Sunday Message From Bishop Nolan
02/01/2022
Justice & Peace Sunday Message From Bishop Nolan

Watch here, Bishop Nolan's video message on Justice & Peace Sunday, Day of Prayer For Peace Sunday 2nd January 2022.

Image: Justice & Peace Sunday Letter
02/01/2022
Justice & Peace Sunday Letter

My Dear Brothers & Sisters... have a look at this video version of Bishop Nolan's written letter for Day of Prayer For Peace 2022.

Image: Updated Intercession Prayers for Day Of Prayer For Peace 2/1/22
01/01/2022
Updated Intercession Prayers for Day Of Prayer For Peace 2/1/22

Here is the list of newly updated Intercessary Prayers For 'Day Of Prayer For Peace' which accompany Bishop Nolan's letter.  We ask that the letter and prayers are read at all Masses on Sunday 2nd January 2022.

Image: Day Of Prayer For Peace
01/01/2022
Day Of Prayer For Peace

Letter to the Catholics of Scotland on 'Day Of Prayer For Peace', 2nd January 2022 from Bishop Nolan, President of Justice & Peace Scotland.  Read the full text here.

News Articles 2021

Image: Message of the Holy Father Francis for the 55th World Peace Day
22/12/2021
Message of the Holy Father Francis for the 55th World Peace Day
1st January 2022

Dialogue between generations, education and work:  tools for building lasting peace.

 

Image: Yemen war reaches ‘shameful milestone’ - 10,000 children now killed or maimed 
20/10/2021
Yemen war reaches ‘shameful milestone’ - 10,000 children now killed or maimed 

“Yemen is the most difficult place in the world to be a child. And, incredulously, it is getting worse.”    UN

 

Image: Liverpool Pax Christi join protest against proposed Arms Fair
20/09/2021
Liverpool Pax Christi join protest against proposed Arms Fair

In October this year, Liverpool plans to host many international arms companies who will be showcasing their electronic killing capacity. Despite the cities protest the event looks likely to go ahead.

 

Image: Catholic Bishops and organisations call for an end to the arms trade
14/09/2021
Catholic Bishops and organisations call for an end to the arms trade

Catholic Bishops and organisations have voiced their opposition to the arms trade, as the UK prepares to host one of the world’s largest arms fairs next week. 

Image: Arms Fair an unwelcome guest in East London
14/09/2021
Arms Fair an unwelcome guest in East London

On Tuesday, the Defence and Security Equipment International 2021 arms fair (DSEI), will open at the Excel centre in London Docklands, amidst massive protests and opposition from political leaders and local communities in London. It will run from 14-17 September.

 

Image: Sadiq Khan tells organisers of London arms fair to cancel event and not come back
30/08/2021
Sadiq Khan tells organisers of London arms fair to cancel event and not come back

Mayor says London is home to people who have fled weapons like those on sale at DSEI.  the Independent.

 

Image: Our impact investing journey: Sisters of St Joseph of Peace
04/08/2021
Our impact investing journey: Sisters of St Joseph of Peace

Congregation Leader Sister Susan Francois. ‘The time is now to act, to put our values into action on behalf of Earth and all creation.’  Brightnow.

Image: Investigation shows UK-made arms bombed Gaza
25/05/2021
Investigation shows UK-made arms bombed Gaza

An investigation by Campaign Against the Arms Trade and the Independent has exposed the role that UK-made military equipment has played in the bombing campaign.  ICN.

 

Image: Glasgow hailed for supporting nuclear weapons ban treaty
18/05/2021
Glasgow hailed for supporting nuclear weapons ban treaty

GLASGOW City Council has won praise for passing a resolution supporting the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).  The National.  

 

Image:  Italian port workers refuse to load arms shipment destined for Israel
17/05/2021
Italian port workers refuse to load arms shipment destined for Israel

A syndicate of port workers in the Italian city of Livorno in Tuscany on Friday protested a weapons and explosives shipment after discovering it was destined for the Israeli port of Ashdod.  The New Arab. 

Image: UK Military Spending: Speak Out In Your Local Media 
27/04/2021
UK Military Spending: Speak Out In Your Local Media 

The UK has increased its nuclear warheads by 44%, while cutting aid to the world’s poorest by 30%. #DefundTheMilitary. Where do you think the UK’s military budget should be spent instead? CAAT Campaign.

Image: OPEN LETTER - END UK ARMS SALES FOR USE IN THE WAR ON YEMEN
30/03/2021
OPEN LETTER - END UK ARMS SALES FOR USE IN THE WAR ON YEMEN

Add your name to take a stand against the war in Yemen and increase the pressure on the UK government to end the arms sales prolonging this deadly conflict.  CAAT

 

Image: With new ferry named for her, Dorothy Day still moving workers
29/03/2021
With new ferry named for her, Dorothy Day still moving workers

“blessing to see Dorothy honored as her journey progresses towards canonization and that a ferry bearing her name will transport workers, to whose dignity she dedicated the Catholic Worker Movement.”

Image: Vigil For Syria
10/03/2021
Vigil For Syria
Monday 15th March 2021

Join an online Vigil for Syria, marking ten years of the Syrian conflict, as a public expression of solidarity with the Syrian people and Syrian refugees here in Scotland and in other countries. You are also invited to light and candle and post a picture to social media with the hashtag  #ScotlandWithSyria 

Image: UK cuts aid to Yemen while approving more arms sales to Saudis
02/03/2021
UK cuts aid to Yemen while approving more arms sales to Saudis

The UK's biggest arms company, BAE Systems, has made £15 billion in revenue from services and sales to Saudi Arabia since 2015.  This is a time to work for peace, not profit.  ICN.

 

 

Image: Crisis In Yemen Recording
25/01/2021
Crisis In Yemen Recording

On this World Day Of Action For Yemen, 25th Jan 21, we are pleased to be able to share this recording of our event  'Crisis In Yemen' - looking at the involvement of the UK arms trade in the bombardment of our brothers & sisters in Yemen.

Image: Global Day of Action - No To War In Yemem 
25/01/2021
Global Day of Action - No To War In Yemem 

Organisations from across the world are coming together to call an international day of action against the Saudi-led War on Yemen on January 25th 2021.

News Articles 2020

Image: Pope Francis talks about Uighurs, George Floyd and Universal Basic Income in new interview
24/11/2020
Pope Francis talks about Uighurs, George Floyd and Universal Basic Income in new interview

The book, Let Us Dream, which will be published by Simon & Schuster on Dec. 1, is the product of a series of exchanges between the pope and Austen Ivereigh, his English-language biographer. It is an extended reflection on the change Pope Francis sees as necessary in building a post-Covid world. It is in this context that he addresses several hot-button issues.

 

Image: CAAT urges rethink on UK military spending increase:
23/11/2020
CAAT urges rethink on UK military spending increase:

Campaign Against Arms Trade has urged the government to rethink its priorities following the announcement that it will be increasing the military budget by an extra £16 billion over the next four years.  ICN.

Image: Arms Trade Campaigners Have Condemned  Hundreds Of New Saudi Arms Deals
13/11/2020
Arms Trade Campaigners Have Condemned Hundreds Of New Saudi Arms Deals

Anti-arms trade campaigners have hit out at Liz Truss for the "immoral" decision to process over 500 applications for arms sales to Saudi Arabia since July.

Image: Air force accused of war crimes in Yemen using Scots airports to train pilots
30/09/2020
Air force accused of war crimes in Yemen using Scots airports to train pilots
 
The UK has given £1 billion in aid to Yemen, but has licensed £6.5 billion worth of arms to countries bombing it including Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. The Sunday Post.
Image: 75 years on from the first atomic bombing of Hiroshima & Nagasaki
10/08/2020
75 years on from the first atomic bombing of Hiroshima & Nagasaki

We are very thankful that Pope Francis and our Bishops are unequivocal in their stance on nuclear weapons stating clearly that possession as well as the threat of use of nuclear arms is immoral.  We also give thanks that on the 6th August (the anniversary of the nuclear bombing at Hiroshima) Ireland, Nigeria, Niue ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and yesterday on 9th August (the 75th anniversary of the nuclear bombing of Nagasaki) the Caribbean nation of St Kitts and Nevis also ratified the treaty!

44 nations have now signed the treaty - 50 nations are needed to sign up to bring the treaty into force....we are so close.

Image: Vatican’s Commission for Covid-19: More spending on healthcare, less on weapons
13/07/2020
Vatican’s Commission for Covid-19: More spending on healthcare, less on weapons

The Vatican's Commission for Covid-19 highlights the importance of re-thinking healthcare systems and channeling financial efforts into aid rather than weapons, especially as the world tackles coronavirus.

Image: UK selling spyware and wiretaps to 17 repressive regimes including Saudi Arabia and China.
13/07/2020
UK selling spyware and wiretaps to 17 repressive regimes including Saudi Arabia and China.

The British government is providing more than a dozen repressive regimes around the world with wiretaps, spyware and other telecommunications interception equipment they could use to spy on dissidents, public records show.  The Independent.

Image: Hundreds of Saudi and Gulf military personnel trained in Britain as Yemen war continues
06/07/2020
Hundreds of Saudi and Gulf military personnel trained in Britain as Yemen war continues
New data shows Britain’s Royal Air Force trained Saudi personnel in 2019 on fighter jets used to bomb civilians in Yemen – a country on the brink of famine – while UK soldiers coached other forces in the Saudi-led coalition at nearly a dozen army bases in Britain.
 
Image: UK arms firms deal with regime accused of torturing children
06/04/2020
UK arms firms deal with regime accused of torturing children

THE UK Government and arms firms based in Scotland have been condemned over deals with Egypt after a new report revealed the ruling regime tortures children by waterboarding and electrocution.  The National.

Image: Time to wash our hands of nuclear weapons
06/04/2020
Time to wash our hands of nuclear weapons

Our friends at CND have launched a new action for you to contact your MP and highlight these inconsistencies, calling for Trident to be scrapped and the money to be diverted to fighting real threats. ICN.

Image: Pope appeals for global ceasefire amid Covid pandemic
30/03/2020
Pope appeals for global ceasefire amid Covid pandemic

Pope Francis joins the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres in calling for a global ceasefire as the world faces the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic.  Vatican News.

Image: Revealed: £1bn of taxpayers' cash to help foreign countries buy British arms
30/03/2020
Revealed: £1bn of taxpayers' cash to help foreign countries buy British arms

The government has quietly drawn up proposals to lend other countries £1bn of public money so that they can buy British-made bombs and surveillance technology.  Guardian.

Image: COVID-19: UN chief calls for global ceasefire to focus on ‘the true fight of our lives’
27/03/2020
COVID-19: UN chief calls for global ceasefire to focus on ‘the true fight of our lives’

In an appeal issued on Monday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged warring parties across the world to lay down their weapons in support of the bigger battle against  COVID-19: the common enemy that is now threatening all of humankind.   

Image: UK Arms Trade Campaign Resource Sheet
25/03/2020
UK Arms Trade Campaign Resource Sheet

As part of our current campaign on the UK Arms Trade we have produced this resource sheet which looks at, among other things, Scottish arms companies and the money they receive from Scottish Enterprise. 

Image: Arms industry staff seconded into key roles at UK Department for Trade
18/03/2020
Arms industry staff seconded into key roles at UK Department for Trade

Concerns raised after FoI request reveals arms firms’ employees in influential government posts.  Guardian.  

Image: Scottish Enterprise funded radar tech marketed to world's cruelest regimes
09/03/2020
Scottish Enterprise funded radar tech marketed to world's cruelest regimes

The Osprey 30 is used in military helicopters, calling into question claims by the Scottish Government that it only awards grants to arms firms to make non-military products.  Daily Record.

Image: Fighting The Wrong Battles
03/03/2020
Fighting The Wrong Battles
How obsesssion with military power diverts resources from the climate crisis.  A new report from Campaign Against The Arms Trade
Image: Saudi-led forces face trials over alleged war crimes linked to Fife arms firm
20/02/2020
Saudi-led forces face trials over alleged war crimes linked to Fife arms firm

Air crews with the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen are facing Saudi legal proceedings for alleged war crimes linked to a US arms firm with a base in Scotland.  The Ferret

Image: Targeted killings via drone becoming 'normalised'
20/01/2020
Targeted killings via drone becoming 'normalised'

Drone Wars says UK and US has developed ‘easy narrative’ for targeted assassinations.  The Guardian. 

2019

Image: Britain has licensed £6.3 billion of arms sales to Saudi-led forces in Yemen
22/08/2019
Britain has licensed £6.3 billion of arms sales to Saudi-led forces in Yemen

"Immoral and illegal": The shock new figures come as the Saudi military has been invited to a huge arms fair in London next month - despite a court ruling sales for use in the conflict to be unlawful.  The Mirror.  

Image: Saudi arms sales ruled UNLAWFUL
20/06/2019
Saudi arms sales ruled UNLAWFUL

Today, Wednesday 20th June, the Court of Appeal has ruled UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia for use in Yemen to be UNLAWFUL.  Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT).

Image: Bishop praises anti-nuke campaigners as a ‘thorn’ in establishment’s side
24/04/2019
Bishop praises anti-nuke campaigners as a ‘thorn’ in establishment’s side

Bishop William Nolan praised peace campaigners as a ‘thorn in the side of UK government, the establishment and the military’ as he took part in a protest outside the UK’s nuclear weapons base. Scottish Catholic Observer.
 

Image: Ecumenical Church Network Condemns 13 Billion Euros for the Arms Industry.
23/04/2019
Ecumenical Church Network Condemns 13 Billion Euros for the Arms Industry.

Church and Peace, The Ecumenical Peace Church Network have released the following statement condemning the European Parliament decision to sanction 13 billion euros on military research, including in nuclear weapons.

Image: NATO military alliance incompatible with Gospel nonviolence
11/04/2019
NATO military alliance incompatible with Gospel nonviolence

As foreign ministers of the 29 member nations of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation), gathered in Washington D.C. on 3-4 April to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of this largest military alliance in the world, nonviolent peace activists across the U.S. and from around the world also gathered in Washington to proclaim: "No to NATO - Yes to Peace" ICN

Image: Nuclear submarines: MoD criticised over submarine disposal
03/04/2019
Nuclear submarines: MoD criticised over submarine disposal

The Ministry of Defence has been criticised over its failure to dispose of 20 obsolete nuclear submarines.  BBC News.

Image: Pope appeals for children of Yemen ahead of trip to UAE
04/02/2019
Pope appeals for children of Yemen ahead of trip to UAE

Pope Francis highlighted "the humanitarian crisis in Yemen", where "the population is exhausted by the long conflict and many children suffer from hunger, but it is not possible to access food stores."  Independent Catholic News.

2018

Image: Pax Christi Scotland Inaugural Event 23 - 25 November
13/11/2018
Pax Christi Scotland Inaugural Event 23 - 25 November

The First Pax Christi Scotland Event will take place from 23rd-25th November 2018 at Conforti Institute in Coatbridge.  Everyone is invited to register for this free event.  Day places are available.  Contact: anna@confortiinstitute.org 

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Resources


Image: Justice & Peace Sunday Message From Bishop Nolan

Watch here, Bishop Nolan's video message on Justice & Peace Sunday, Day of Prayer For Peace Sunday 2nd January 2022.



Image: Justice & Peace Sunday Letter

My Dear Brothers & Sisters... have a look at this video version of Bishop Nolan's written letter for Day of Prayer For Peace 2022.



Image: Day Of Prayer For Peace

Letter to the Catholics of Scotland on 'Day Of Prayer For Peace', 2nd January 2022 from Bishop Nolan, President of Justice & Peace Scotland.  Read the full text here.



Image: Updated Intercession Prayers for Day Of Prayer For Peace 2/1/22

Here is the list of newly updated Intercessary Prayers For 'Day Of Prayer For Peace' which accompany Bishop Nolan's letter.  We ask that the letter and prayers are read at all Masses on Sunday 2nd January 2022.



Image: Message of the Holy Father Francis for the 55th World Peace Day
1st January 2022

Dialogue between generations, education and work:  tools for building lasting peace.

 



Image: Liverpool Pax Christi join protest against proposed Arms Fair

In October this year, Liverpool plans to host many international arms companies who will be showcasing their electronic killing capacity. Despite the cities protest the event looks likely to go ahead.

 



Image: Catholic Bishops and organisations call for an end to the arms trade

Catholic Bishops and organisations have voiced their opposition to the arms trade, as the UK prepares to host one of the world’s largest arms fairs next week. 



Image: Global Day of Action - No To War In Yemem 

Organisations from across the world are coming together to call an international day of action against the Saudi-led War on Yemen on January 25th 2021.



Image: Pope Francis talks about Uighurs, George Floyd and Universal Basic Income in new interview

The book, Let Us Dream, which will be published by Simon & Schuster on Dec. 1, is the product of a series of exchanges between the pope and Austen Ivereigh, his English-language biographer. It is an extended reflection on the change Pope Francis sees as necessary in building a post-Covid world. It is in this context that he addresses several hot-button issues.

 



Image: CAAT urges rethink on UK military spending increase:

Campaign Against Arms Trade has urged the government to rethink its priorities following the announcement that it will be increasing the military budget by an extra £16 billion over the next four years.  ICN.



Image: Arms Trade Campaigners Have Condemned  Hundreds Of New Saudi Arms Deals

Anti-arms trade campaigners have hit out at Liz Truss for the "immoral" decision to process over 500 applications for arms sales to Saudi Arabia since July.



Image: Air force accused of war crimes in Yemen using Scots airports to train pilots
 
The UK has given £1 billion in aid to Yemen, but has licensed £6.5 billion worth of arms to countries bombing it including Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. The Sunday Post.




Image: UK selling spyware and wiretaps to 17 repressive regimes including Saudi Arabia and China.

The British government is providing more than a dozen repressive regimes around the world with wiretaps, spyware and other telecommunications interception equipment they could use to spy on dissidents, public records show.  The Independent.



Image: Vatican’s Commission for Covid-19: More spending on healthcare, less on weapons

The Vatican's Commission for Covid-19 highlights the importance of re-thinking healthcare systems and channeling financial efforts into aid rather than weapons, especially as the world tackles coronavirus.



Image: Hundreds of Saudi and Gulf military personnel trained in Britain as Yemen war continues
New data shows Britain’s Royal Air Force trained Saudi personnel in 2019 on fighter jets used to bomb civilians in Yemen – a country on the brink of famine – while UK soldiers coached other forces in the Saudi-led coalition at nearly a dozen army bases in Britain.
 




Image: Time to wash our hands of nuclear weapons

Our friends at CND have launched a new action for you to contact your MP and highlight these inconsistencies, calling for Trident to be scrapped and the money to be diverted to fighting real threats. ICN.



Image: UK arms firms deal with regime accused of torturing children

THE UK Government and arms firms based in Scotland have been condemned over deals with Egypt after a new report revealed the ruling regime tortures children by waterboarding and electrocution.  The National.



Image: Revealed: £1bn of taxpayers' cash to help foreign countries buy British arms

The government has quietly drawn up proposals to lend other countries £1bn of public money so that they can buy British-made bombs and surveillance technology.  Guardian.



Image: Pope appeals for global ceasefire amid Covid pandemic

Pope Francis joins the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres in calling for a global ceasefire as the world faces the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic.  Vatican News.



Image: COVID-19: UN chief calls for global ceasefire to focus on ‘the true fight of our lives’

In an appeal issued on Monday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged warring parties across the world to lay down their weapons in support of the bigger battle against  COVID-19: the common enemy that is now threatening all of humankind.   



Image: UK Arms Trade Resource Sheet

UK arms trade resource information sheet



Image: UK Arms Trade Campaign Resource Sheet

As part of our current campaign on the UK Arms Trade we have produced this resource sheet which looks at, among other things, Scottish arms companies and the money they receive from Scottish Enterprise. 



Image: Arms industry staff seconded into key roles at UK Department for Trade

Concerns raised after FoI request reveals arms firms’ employees in influential government posts.  Guardian.  



Image: Scottish Enterprise funded radar tech marketed to world's cruelest regimes

The Osprey 30 is used in military helicopters, calling into question claims by the Scottish Government that it only awards grants to arms firms to make non-military products.  Daily Record.



Image: Fighting The Wrong Battles
How obsesssion with military power diverts resources from the climate crisis.  A new report from Campaign Against The Arms Trade




Image: Saudi-led forces face trials over alleged war crimes linked to Fife arms firm

Air crews with the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen are facing Saudi legal proceedings for alleged war crimes linked to a US arms firm with a base in Scotland.  The Ferret



Image: Targeted killings via drone becoming 'normalised'

Drone Wars says UK and US has developed ‘easy narrative’ for targeted assassinations.  The Guardian. 



Image: Bishop praises anti-nuke campaigners as a ‘thorn’ in establishment’s side

Bishop William Nolan praised peace campaigners as a ‘thorn in the side of UK government, the establishment and the military’ as he took part in a protest outside the UK’s nuclear weapons base. Scottish Catholic Observer.
 



Image: Ecumenical Church Network Condemns 13 Billion Euros for the Arms Industry.

Church and Peace, The Ecumenical Peace Church Network have released the following statement condemning the European Parliament decision to sanction 13 billion euros on military research, including in nuclear weapons.