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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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