CND behind the scenes
Although demonstrations are an effective way of gaining publicity for campaigns at both a national and local level, CND does a lot of important work behind the scenes. We try to influence the political process itself by lobbying MPs at the Houses of Parliament by letter, e-mail, telephone and face-to-face meetings. We encourage them to raise parliamentary questions aimed at bringing the government to account for its domestic and foreign policies in relation to nuclear disarmament. Our Parliamentary Worker prepares briefing papers and drafts Parliamentary Questions and Early Day Motions for MPs. He also produces the Lobby Parliamentary Newsletter, which highlights topical issues on nuclear disarmament, and encourages CND members and other interested parties to voice their concerns to their local MPs and the Government.
At an international level CND has increasingly been present at the United Nations in New York and Geneva because of the growth in international disarmament negotiations, covering such areas as nuclear testing and non-proliferation (preventing the spread of nuclear weapons). Here, our purpose is not to demonstrate but to talk to delegates, particularly from the smaller non-nuclear states. As a Non-Governmental Organisation we provide independent advice and expert analysis, helping to counter the often intimidating presence of the big powers with their huge delegations.
CND presentation to the NPT Review Conference Preparatory committee, New York, 2004
Alternative Methods
CND organises peace camps and runs stalls at Glastonbury (see articles: Glastonbury Festival : Historical Overview
SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society Guardian | Party politics),Reading and other festivals. Christian CND works through the churches and organises its own protest actions. Labour CND works within the Labour Party and Youth & Student CND and Student CND organize meetings in schools and colleges. CND also produces leaflets, posters, pamphlets, badges and T-shirts. Local groups produce their own newsletters while our national membership magazine carries news, analysis and campaigning ideas etc. Click here for the CND Shop
CND - The Structure of CND >> |
