Will you join CAAT to confront arms dealers once again?

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[CAAT logo with young woman speaking truth to arms dealers via a megaphone. Go her!]([link removed]

Dear friends,

The government’s attempt to ban protests which have a so-called “[cumulative impact]([link removed])” has been tabled as an amendment in the [Crime and Policing Bill]([link removed]). CAAT has signed an [open letter]([link removed]), backed by over 45 civil society organisations, in opposition to this repressive amendment. Please share widely to spread the word about the far-reaching resistance to the government’s latest draconian anti-protest manoeuvre.

[Image of all of the logos of the 46 civil society organisations that have signed PSC's open letter opposing the cumulative protest restrictions.]

[READ THE OPEN LETTER HERE]([link removed])

The bill also proposes the criminalisation of the following at protests - face coverings, pyrotechnic materials, and climbing on war memorials. The impact this could have on activists who wear masks for safety due to police surveillance and far-right doxxing, or who wear face coverings for religious, cultural or health reasons, is staggering. The restrictions on pyrotechnic materials may impact candle lit vigils, and activists often stand on war memorials at large marches to give speeches.

Although the Crime and Policing Bill has yet to become law, the government has also targeted the animal rights movement by [restricting protest]([link removed]) through an amendment to the Public Order Act (2023). This new amendment means that all animal testing facilities are now counted as key national infrastructure making it an [offence]([link removed]), punishable by up to a year in prison, to take part in any protest that interferes with their operation.

Furthermore, the government has been reviewing the National Security Act 2023 and Schedule 3 of the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019. Our friends at Netpol have raised [serious concerns]([link removed]) about the risk this counter-terror legislation will be further used against activists challenging state and corporate interests, interests which perpetuate genocides around the world.

[Grey and red graphic with an armoured tank on it, describing the stop arming Israel protest at the IAV weapons conference on 22 Jan.]

Despite the government’s repressive moves, we know that direct action and other forms of activism are not terrorism. Elbit’s recent [loss]([link removed])of a £2 billion British military training contract can be attributed to activists across the country who have taken direct action against Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer, and to the historic [hunger strike]([link removed]) from inside prison walls which has fought to shut Elbit down.

We still have the right to protest. On Thursday 22 January at 5:00pm, our friends at Palestine Solidarity Campaign are organising a [demonstration]([link removed] the [International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) Conference]([link removed] in Farnborough, Hampshire. IAV is where deals in death and destruction are made. Companies such as BAE Systems and Leonardo will be represented and the full exhibitors list can be viewed [here]([link removed] CAAT will be joining North Hampshire PSC in the streets and hope to see you there, if you are local to the area.

The following week, on Tuesday 27 January, protestors will [confront the arms trade once again]([link removed] challenging the arms dealers, MPs and military personnel at the Aerospace, Defence and Security (ADS) dinner in central London. The arms dealers attending the £250+ a head ADS dinner have profited greatly from genocidal violence taking place in Palestine, Sudan and beyond.

[Black graphic showing an image of men in suits behind a "warning arms trade at work" caution tape. Shares details about the 27 Jan protest of the ADS dinner, the arms industry's lobby. ]

CAAT could not do this work without your support, and as always we thank you for your determined efforts - whether you can join us in the streets, share our posts on social media, amplify our petitions, organise events with CAAT, lobby your MP and council or protest at arms companies directly. Your donations, if you are in a financial position to be able to consider this, are hugely appreciated as well.

Please support CAAT in our continuing work to STOP the arms trade by making a [donation]([link removed] to Keep CAAT Campaigning.

[DONATE TO KEEP CAAT CAMPAIGNING]([link removed]

As you know, we have been asking you to consider making your donations to us by Direct Debit if you can: these are easy to set up and are very impactful. You can use the button above to set this up, and can stop at any time. Direct Debits are key to helping CAAT manage its regular budget and plan for the future.

As always, you are very welcome to let us know your thoughts and to alert us of anything you feel would be important for us to know.

Thank you for your continued support in resisting the deadly arms trade,

Zoe and all at Campaign Against Arms Trade

[An image of small blockade of an arms factory]([link removed]
News

All the latest from Campaign Against Arms Trade, across the country and near you, including press releases, the CAAT Blog, articles from the CAAT News magazine, and info on local actions.

[NEWS]([link removed]

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Donate

CAAT would not exist without you. Each new supporter helps us to strengthen our call to end the international arms trade and build on our many successes in the journey to a world where no one profits from death and destruction.

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Events

Our events are the building-blocks to activating our supporters and campaigners. We continuously build our knowledge on the arms trade and its intersecting issues. Our exciting regular programme of events has something for you.

[EVENTS]([link removed]

Campaign Against Arms Trade

Unit 1.9, The Green House,
244 - 254 Cambridge Heath Road,
London
E2 9DA

Tel: 020 7281 0297

Web: [www.caat.org.uk]([link removed]

Email: [email protected]

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