Stop Trident rally prepares for national gathering on 27th February

Hundreds of people gathered last night at Friends House in London in anticipation of the National Stop Trident Rally on 27 February.

Speakers included Bruce Kent of CND and Pax Christi, Kate Hudson of CND, Richard Norton Taylor of the Guardian and Ellie Kinney of Student CND. Bruce Kent opened the evening stating that in all national discussion about Trident replacement he had failed to hear a coherent argument in favour. Trident is unable to meet the real threats of our time be that climate change, poverty or the threats from ISIS and other violent extremists. This was developed by Richard Norton Taylor. In his view Trident is more about status and jobs. He referred to an extract from the Tony Blair autobiography where Mr Blair stated that the failure to replace Trident would downgrade our status in the world. The issues of job losses could be dealt with by clear plans to divert the expertise and research into a search for alternative forms of energy - protecting workers and protecting the environment. He also quoted Pope Francis who has clearly stated that nuclear deterrence and the threat of mutually assured destruction cannot be the basis for an ethics of fraternity and peaceful coexistence.

A passionate plea was made by Ellie Kinney to redirect the money that is to be spend on Trident, an estimated £100 billion in the years ahead, to education and health. She spoke of the reduction in the number of student midwives and nurses as the costs of training increase. This will create more shortages in the health service in the years ahead. She feared that we are moving to a time when only those who can afford to will be able train in the health service.

Writer and activist Tariq Ali called everyone to the streets on 27 February and stressed the importance of engagement in social and political processes.

Pax Christi with a range of other Christian peace groups is supporting the march and rally on 27 February. There will be a gathering at Hinde Street Methodist Church in London for interfaith prayers before the march sets off. Faith groups will walk together under the banner " No Faith in Trident". At Trafalgar Square a number of faith leaders including Emeritus Bishop Thomas McMahon of Brentwood and Anglican Bishop Stephen Cottrell, will read a joint multi faith statement against nuclear weapons.

Read more about the march and rally on 27 February here: http://paxchristi.org.uk/event/stop-trident-national-rally/?instance_id=543