CAAT is doing more than Faith leaders

Magnificent Campaign Against the Arms Trade

Despite overwhelming evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity, Israel has been unconditionally supported by most western governments. The US remains Israel’s strongest supporter and leading arms supplier, but is closely followed by the UK, which also supplies significant quantities of military equipment to Israel.

CAAT has joined with the global movement standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people. We’ve called for a ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners by Israel. And, of course, we’ve been opposing arms sales to Israel. In collaboration with allies and partners, we have exposed the details of UK arms supplies to Israel, and the companies and factories involved - making this information as widely available as possible (including through our recent fact sheet – which you can find on our website). CAAT’s data on arms sales has been widely cited in the media. CAAT supporters across the country have organised and joined protests and solidarity actions as part of the broader movement.

PURPOSE OF 28 NOV PUBLIC MEETING

I'm really copying the mostly well attended 'Ask Andy' meetings that Mayor Andy Street holds around the West Midlands.  I'm trying to whip up more interest in politics and what our politicians and their professional officers and experts are doing in the region.  In particular, I would like church goers, atheists and agnostics to think about the morality of what is being done in our name - whether it is £1.38 billion to 2026 of WM Metro trams to replace buses and trains, the over £2 billion for the 87 Kms Western Orbital Motorway, the £55.7 billion for HS2, the £3 billion of arm sales to Saudi Arabia in the first 18 months of the Yemen civil war (CAAT).  £7 billion for two sitting duck aircraft carriers that now need more billions for a flotilla of warships to protect them when out at sea and, £100 billion to replace Trident WMD.  YET,  a struggling, a poorly endowed in some areas NHS with some shortages, growing homelessness but large homes being built for the well heeled.  AND, the more we spend the less we have and the more damage we do to our life support systems.

Our three speakers are well worth hearing.  Mark Dowd, in particular, is a most articulate, engaging, well thought of public speaker who is always goes down like a bomb with audiences (non violent bomb, of course).  He is on our side - the side of the poor, the disadvantaged and vulnerable and, on the side of the climate.  He will be the grand finale to the meeting.  I, personally would welcome good natured, humorous heckling and other contributions from the floor.