Norfolk CAAT has been busy during the week of action against UKTI - the government department that helps promote arms sales to repressive regimes and countries in conflict.
'Stop UKTI' postcards have been handed out in Norwich city
centre, raising awareness of UKTI DSO's activities and encouraging the
public to call for it to close.
'Day of Prayer' packs and information have been distributed to the churches in the Greater Norwich area and other places of religious worship.
In the local press (EDP, 16th June) an edited version of this letter was printed:
The campaign against UKTI has also received exposure in the EDP's One World column.
If you've not done so yet, help support CAAT's attempted to end this 'uncivil service': sign the petition and write to your MP.
Further details on the UKTI: Armed & Dangerous campaign, including a detailed campaign briefing, can be found on the national CAAT site.
'Day of Prayer' packs and information have been distributed to the churches in the Greater Norwich area and other places of religious worship.
In the local press (EDP, 16th June) an edited version of this letter was printed:
"As one proposal for Stop the Arms Trade Week, 14 - 21 June, the UK government should end its disproportionate and unethical support for the arms trade.
In 2008 it created a new department within its UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) department with the aim of promoting arms sales around the world. The Defence & Security Organisation (UKTI DSO) is now helping arms companies sell weapons to countries involved in conflict. The overwhelming majority of casualties in modern warfare are civilian.
UKTI also helps sell weapons to human rights abusers. The Foreign Office recently listed 21 countries as "major causes of concern". Ten of these received arms from UK companies.
None of this brings any benefit to the UK economy. Arms deals are heavily subsidised with the tax payer under-writing the cost, while arms exports account for just 1.5% of UK exports and manufacturing jobs make up a tiny percentage of the UK force. Despite this UKTI devotes as many staff to promoting arms sales as it does to every other industry sector combined.
Last year the UK government closed the Serious Fraud's Office investigation into BAE, a move that has damaged Britain's international reputation and reinforced the corrupt and secretive image of the arms industry.
UK tax payers should not be expected to pay out of their own pockets to support an unethical, corrupt and devastating industry that is harming Britain's international reputation, fuelling conflicts and helping arm some of the world's most despicable regimes. "
The campaign against UKTI has also received exposure in the EDP's One World column.
If you've not done so yet, help support CAAT's attempted to end this 'uncivil service': sign the petition and write to your MP.
Further details on the UKTI: Armed & Dangerous campaign, including a detailed campaign briefing, can be found on the national CAAT site.
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