Rearming the UK?

[CAAT logo and link to website] [1]

Dear Friends,

A few interesting and important things to share today.

1. REPORT LAUNCH NEXT WEEK - WEDNESDAY, 18TH SEPTEMBER             
  4th Floor Studios, 255-259 Commercial Road, London E1 2BT. [2]

Dr Sam Perlo-Freeman, CAAT’s Research Coordinator, will present his new
report _FROM REVOLVING DOOR TO OPEN-PLAN OFFICE: THE EVER-CLOSER UNION
BETWEEN THE UK GOVERNMENT AND THE ARMS INDUSTRY_ looking at the channels of
influence the arms trade continues to exert in the “corridors of
power”.

[Flyer for CAAT report launch] [3]

The event will be moderated by B. Arneson, Director of the Arms Trade
Program at the World Peace Foundation. Panellists include: Nico Edwards,
researcher with WPF’s program, Revitalizing Debate on the Arms Trade, and
author of the WPF-published report _Resisting Green Militarism: Building
Movements for Peace and Eco-Social Justice_ (2023); Dan Sabbagh, Defence &
Security Editor, _The Guardian_; and Andrew Feinstein, Executive Director,
Shadow World Investigations.

The launch will be a hybrid event, i.e. in-person in Whitechapel and
online.

Do read all about it, and register your attendance (it’s free) on our
website. We’d love to see as many CAAT supporters there in person.

REGISTER FOR REPORT LAUNCH [3]

Some good(ish) news and some bad news:

2. “WELCOME BUT INADEQUATE” SUSPENSION OF ARMS EXPORT LICENCES TO
ISRAEL

CAAT’s last emailed news update went out just before we heard the news
that the new government had stopped 30 export licences for arms destined to
be used by the Israeli armed forces. While a suspension of some arms export
licences to Israel is welcome, it is still inadequate and shows that our
pressure must be maintained.

CAAT and War on Want issued a Joint Statement on 3rd September - the day
after the announcement. You can read it on our website.

READ JOINT STATEMENT [4]

3. SHOCKING BBC RADIO 4 PROGRAMME: REARMING THE UK

Douglas Fraser, the BBC Scotland’s Trade and Industry Editor asks whether
we can overcome the practical and political obstacles of rearming, to meet
the challenges of a world that seems more unstable than ever.

The new government has promised to keep their predecessor’s pledge of
increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP and a review of the armed forces
is now being undertaken by Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, the former NATO
secretary general.. Regardless of the conclusions the defence sector will
be expected to increase its production capacity not only to replenish the
stocks of arms and ammunition donated to Ukraine but restore the
capabilities of our greatly diminished army, navy and air force.

The UK's defence industry is to be put on a 'war footing', reports Douglas
in a strange cheery manner. Definitely a “must-listen”, it’s
available to listen to on BBC Sounds and via the BBC website.

LISTEN HERE [5]

Finally, following my appeal for your help last month, here’s a great big
_THANK YOU_ to all of you who have taken out new monthly Direct Debits,
increased your existing ones, or given one-off donations through our
website. Regular, spread giving throughout the year plays a most important
part in our budgeting process.

We appreciate all your support; it looks as if there’s still so much to
do…

With best wishes from us all,

Charles and the CAAT team

GIVE TO CAAT

Campaign Against Arms Trade

Unit 1.9, The Green House,
244 - 254 Cambridge Heath Road,
London
E2 9DA

Tel: 020 7281 0297

Web: www.caat.org.uk [6]

Email: [email protected]

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