This week, Medact’s Nuclear Weapons Group has launched a new campaign: Don’t Bank on the Bomb UK! Building on work from ICAN, PAX and DBOTB Scotland, the group seeks to build a national network of campaigners to influence UK banks, pension funds and other financial institutions to divest from nuclear weapons manufacturers.
Every year, the UK government spends billions of pounds on nuclear weapons, contracting private companies, like BAE Systems and Rolls Royce, to maintain and modernize its nuclear arsenal. Many UK financial institutions – including Barclays, Children’s Investment Fund Management and HSBC – still invest heavily in or provide substantial loans to companies involved in nuclear weapons.
For the health of people and planet, the elimination of nuclear weapons and prevention of their use is an urgent priority. As a movement for health justice, Medact is calling on banks and financial institutions to move their money away from companies building weapons of mass destruction.
Interested in getting involved?
- Sign up to the DBOTB UK Nuclear Weapons mailing list! The best way to stay in the loop with network meetings, campaign updates, new resources and exciting events.
- Join the first DBOTB UK network meeting! The very first DBOTB UK Network meeting will take place on Tuesday 26th November, 6.30-8pm.
- Download and share the DBOTB UK new campaign leaflet! The A5 flyer provides a quick introduction to: the health impacts of nuclear weapons, UK spending & the private companies profiting from nuclear weapons manufacturing, and how divestment can apply pressure on these companies in the our work towards nuclear disarmament.