The election is over and the results have been interesting, to say the least. Here at CAAT we are analysing the likely policies of the new coalition government on arms exports.
Meanwhile, CAAT thanks all its supporters who contacted candidates by letter, email and in person. Together we reached candidates in over half the constituencies
Please forward this bulletin to anyone you think would like to be involved in our campaigns.
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Read on to find out more...
What will the new government do about its arms trading unit, the UKTI Defence & Security Organisation? Your action could be a deciding factor!
Last year, the Conservatives said they wanted to increase the support given to arms exports, and use arms sales as a "foreign policy tool" - a truly alarming prospect. But in the past many senior Liberal Democrats have supported our campaign to end government support for arms exports, including Vince Cable, now the Minister responsible for UKTI.
This is a real opportunity to shift the balance - if we put the pressure on now. Please take one minute to email Vince Cable today: he needs to know we care!
Following the election, with talk of cuts already in the air, we want to make sure that the first cut is the government department which exists solely to maximise arms companies' profits.
Take part in Stop Week 19-27 June to put ending the arms trade at the top of your MP's agenda:
5 minute action: Welcome your new MP with a letter, and a copy of CAAT's report
10 minute action: Put some Demolition Order cards in your pocket and remember to ask your friends and family to sign when you see them!
1 hour action: Arrange a lobby meeting with your MP or make an appointment to visit their surgery, with a copy of our new report, Private gain, public pain.
Order everything you need to take part in Stop Week and get more creative ideas from the website.
And remember to send CAAT details of your events over summer, especially during Stop Week, so we can list them on our events diary. Email: annemarie@caat.org.uk.
Lost for words when discussing the arms trade? Want to know more about UK government involvement in arms exports? CAAT's new briefing paper Private gain, public pain: The case for ending the Government's arms selling is an excellent summary of the situation. With facts, figures, case studies and graphs, all fully referenced, this is a must for every anti-arms trade campaigner. Order your copy now from CAAT office (free to CAAT supporters). Email: enquiries@caat.org.uk
Wednesday 5 May saw dozens of CAAT supporters assemble on the pavements outside the government's arms trade unit UKTI Defence & Security Organisation (UKTI DSO) complete with judge's wigs and gowns. They then chased a giant puppet of Dick Olver, BAE Chairman, to a People's Court outside the QEII Conference Centre, where the BAE AGM was being held. After hearing witness statements, the court declared Olver "Guilty on all counts".
Inside the AGM, CAAT shareholders subjected Olver to tough questioning about the company's ethics and activities - answered in the usual evasive manner.
To get a taste of the proceedings, go to BAE: The People's Jury at: baepeoplesjury.wordpress.com where you can find reportbacks, photos and a video as well as lots of other interesting information.
That clever man Heydon Prowse is at it again. His films have exposed MPs and organisations doing the wrong thing - now it's the turn of UKTI DSO.
His short film, "Quango Awards 2010: UKTI DSO" exposes the shameful way this government body promotes the private security industry, including an unknown firm with a director with a criminal record (you guessed it, Heydon made the company up!).
You can see the results, both amusing and horrifying, at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjMIFNFE6j8
CAAT is asking supporters to dedicate one day of Stop Week to raise funds for our campaign.
Gather for Good Day will take place on Saturday 26 June. It's an opportunity for CAAT supporters to get together socially, have fun and raise funds.
Why not have a Dinner4Good, an Arms Trade quiz or Baking, not bombs cake sale? These ideas, and more, are available on our website at: http://www.caat.org.uk/issues/ukti/UKTI_Actionstep3.php#gather
And for those who have already given, a big thank you. Your support is greatly appreciated.