Defence Secretary John Healey’s surprise resignation yesterday came after weeks of reported wrangling between the MoD and the Treasury over the government's long-awaited Defence Investment Plan.

He was followed by Armed Forces Minister Al Cairns later that evening. Healey’s two parliamentary aides also tended their resignation.

Healey and top military officials had been calling for a minimum hike of £18 billion over the next four years, with the MoD claiming it had a £28 billion shortfall in its current spending plans. Amongst the weapons programmes they want to fund are 12 nuclear-capable F-35A fighter jets from the US, that launch US nuclear bombs.

Read CND's statement

Responding to Healey's resignation, CND is calling for the government to take a new direction – away from the disastrous war drive and nuclear expansion which is making the world more dangerous, and towards action to tackle the urgent security threats we face – from the looming global recession and climate breakdown.

You can read the full statement on our website here.

There is still time to email your MP, urging them to drop support for the uncosted F-35A deal. Use our easy lobby tool here.

International Anti-War Summit - still time to get involved

There’s just over one week to go until a crucial international anti-war conference comes to London, with 3,000 delegates across the world already set to pack out Central Hall in Westminster.

The summit comes at a crucial time amid the worsening of the conflict in Ukraine, accelerating rearmament in Europe, and the increasing risks of nuclear expansion – both in Britain and across Europe.

It will provide a unique opportunity to hear about struggles against militarism and nuclear expansion, discuss strategies to counter the global drive to war as well as strengthening cooperation across our movements.

Book your ticket

Saturday, 20 June
Central Hall Westminster, Storey’s Gate, London, SW1H 9NH
Doors open 12:00 noon, conference 13:00 – 17:00

More information about the conference, including speakers, agenda and sponsors can be found here.

‘85 Seconds to Midnight: A Physicist’s Argument Against Rearmament’ – Q&A session with author Carlo Rovelli

CND is delighted to announce an in-person Q&A event with global bestselling author, philosopher and physicist, Carlo Rovelli, to discuss his new book, ‘85 Seconds to Midnight: A Physicist’s Argument Against Rearmament.’
In this urgent political intervention, Carlo reframes the story of nuclear weapons, from the arms race of World War II and the narrowly averted atomic disasters of the Cold War to the political brinkmanship careening out of control today. Carlo argues why our humanity and intelligence must now prevail.

Book your spot

Tuesday, 23 June
3:00pm to 4:30pm
The Green House, London E2 9DA

Tickets are free but space is limited so don’t delay, book your spot today! Copies of the book will also be available to purchase at the event. Event chaired by CND General Secretary Sophie Bolt.