Nuclear weapons and armed drones – do they really keep us safe?
In 2016 the Government will decide whether to spend over £160 billion replacing the Trident nuclear weapons system.
Oldham residents are invited to a special meeting on Wednesday, November 11 as local and national groups opposed to the replacement put forward their cases.
The ‘Trident, Drones and Security’ public meeting will be held at 7pm at George Street Chapel, 58 George Street, Oldham, OL1 1LS.
Jean Betteridge of Oldham and Saddleworth Green Party said: “This is an eye watering amount of money – enough to fund all hospital A&E services for over 40 years.
“It’s time to take a hard look at modern weapons of war – do they really make us more secure and are they worth all the money?
“That’s why, together with Greater Manchester Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, we’re holding a public meeting, ‘Trident, Drones and Security’.
“It’s going to be a lively evening with speakers from CND, Drone Wars UK and the Campaign Against the Arms Trade challenging government defence policies and tackling controversial questions.
“Is the Trident nuclear weapons system our best defence? Would the money needed to replace it be better spent on the NHS, schools, building affordable homes, developing clean, cheaper energy?
“Should the UK be using armed drones in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria? Are they in line with international law?Do they increase the risk of terrorism?
“Should UK engineers be moving from making arms to renewable energy technology? Should the government be spending billions on military technology and subsidising arms companies when vital public services are being cut?
“Do all these weapons make us more secure or less?
“These questions and many more will be up for discussion and debate.”
Find out more about the Oldham and Saddleworth Green Party on their website.
It is incredible that the current government is not listening to its own advisers who tell it that Trident does not represent value for money. I am amazed that we can spend money on this when our national debt has gone up in the past 4 years and people are increasingly dependent on food banks.