Mid-Somerset CND & Peace Group

 Mid-Somerset CND & Peace Group

Welcome to the website of the Mid-Somerset Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament & Peace Group (formerly Mid-Somerset CND).

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In the House of Lords debate on Trident renewal on 24th January 2013, Field Marshall Lord Bramall, formerly Chief of the General Staff, used his final speech to reiterate his view - shared by other generals - against renewal. 

"The first question, from a military point of view, is whether we still need the successor to Trident which the Government presently seem to have in mind. Will it be able to go on doing the job it is supposed to do under any relevant circumstances?  To this I believe the answer is unquestionably no.  For all practical purposes it has not and, indeed, would not deter any of the threats and challenges - now more economic than military - likely to face this country in the foreseeable or even longer-term future.  It has not stopped any terrorist outrage in this country nor, despite America's omnipotent deterrent, did it prevent the very traumatic 9/11.  It did not stop the Argentines trying to take over the Falklands, nor did any nuclear deterrent stop Saddam Hussein marching into Kuwait or firing missiles into Israel.  Nor indeed, in a now intensely globalised and interlocked world, could our deterrent ever conceivably be used - not even after a serious hostile incident which it had presumably failed to deter - without making the whole situation in the world infinitely worse for ourselves as well as for everybody else.

"For all practical purposes our deterrent has never been truly independent, and if this country had not had a national deterrent over the years, dominated by the formidable balance of terror between the USA and the old Soviet Union, it would certainly not be seeking to acquire one now.  I see no reason why these circumstances should change, because conflict is moving inexorably in an entirely different direction.  Indeed, even that often-quoted justification for such a status symbol - a seat at the top table - has worn a bit thin, with prestige and influence more likely to be achieved by economic strength, wise counsel and peacemaking than by an ability to destroy en masse. ...

"Other countries may not necessarily follow our example if we were to start to run down our own white elephant and be seen to be stepping further down the nuclear ladder.  However, to encourage them in the completely opposite direction, to follow our particular stance, seems to me to be very irresponsible for a country such as ours, which rightly has aspirations to be a leader in international affairs. ..."

For this and other contributions to the debate, see here.

 Virtual book sale (click to download) 

These are all peace related books/pamphlets which we have in our archive.

Any member is welcome to purchase for a small donation to the group's funds.

Please contact the treasurer and make an offer.