caat news JOIN OUR DEMOLITION TEAM

Issue 216 11 Goodwin Street, London N4 3HQ April –June 2010 Tel: 020 7281 0297 Fax: 020 7281 4369 £1.00 Email: [email protected] Website: www.caat.org.uk caat news in this issue... Editor Melanie Jarman Proofreader John Moseley Welcome to this issue of CAAT news

Design Richie Andrew The general election is imminent them as possible had a Contributors Claire Brand, Sally and for CAAT supporters it personalised version of this pass Campbell, Ann Feltham, Niki Goridis, represents an excellent opportunity across their desks! Sending this Kirk Jackson, Anne-Marie O’Reilly, for action: a chance to put the arms letter can be a quick and easy Alexandra Peck, Ian Prichard, Sarah trade on the agenda of MPs in the action. More details on the Reader, Kaye Stearman, Sarah new Parliament. campaign, including ideas for Waldron. CAAT continues to campaign for actions during Stop Week in June the closure of the UK Trade & and info on getting hold of Legal consultant Glen Reynolds Investment Defence & Security campaign materials including Thank you also to our dedicated team Organisation (UKTI DSO), the Demolition Orders, are on pages 8 of CAAT news stuffers. government unit that drums up and 9. business for the arms companies. In this issue we’ve also included Printed by Russell Press on 100% Our campaign materials include a summaries of the arms trade recycled paper using only post template letter to send to new MPs policies of the main political consumer waste. – it would be great if as many of parties – see page 12. Content of most website references is also available in print – contact the CAAT office. BAE 3 Campaign Against Arms Trade 11 Goodwin Street, London N4 3HQ Tel: 020 7281 0297 Arms Trade Shorts 4–5 Fax: 020 7281 4369 Email: [email protected] Web: www.caat.org.uk Universities Network 6 If you use Charities Aid Foundation cheques you can support CAAT CAAT around the UK 7 through TREAT (Trust for Research and Education on Arms Trade). Please send CAF cheques, payable to TREAT, Stop Week 8–9 to the office making clear that you wish for your donation to support News 10 CAAT’s research programme. Unlike CAAT, TREAT is a registered charity (No.328694). Review 11 Contributors retain copyright of all work used. The content and Parliamentary 12 views expressed in articles, advertisements and promotional material included Other actions 13 within CAAT news by other organisations are not necessarily endorsed or Fundraising 14 supported by CAAT. Any related enquiries or concerns should be addressed to the Get active! 15 relevant organisation. Order form 16 To receive this issue of CAATnews in large print please call 020 7281 0297 Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) works for the reduction and ultimate abolition of the international arms trade, together with progressive Cover: CAAT demilitarisation within arms producing countries.

2 bae systems BAE off the hook?

Ann Feltham gives an update on legal cases surrounding BAE Systems

It all moved very quickly. Just a week after the Austrian Count Alfons Mensdorff-Pouilly was charged with conspiracy to corrupt in connection with BAE Systems’ deals with central European governments, on 5 February the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) announced its plea bargain. BAE would pay £30 million and plead guilty to failing to keep reasonably accurate accounting records in relation to its activities in Tanzania. All the SFO’s investigations of BAE were at an end. Simultaneously, the US Department of Justice announced that BAE would plead guilty to paying commission payments in connection with several Global reverberations Minister Joe Modise, despite fresh countries, including the Al Yamamah On 3 March, two days after making evidence of payments. South Africa’s deal with Saudi Arabia, and that it the formal guilty plea in the US excellent Mail & Guardian would pay a fine of $400 million. courts, the US State Department newspaper has linked its website to placed a “temporary administrative hundreds of pages of documentation Court challenge hold” on weapons export licenses regarding the case. Stories abound CAAT was shocked and angered by sought by BAE. Although there is a of the marked lack of enthusiasm by the SFO’s decision, which meant that lack of clarity about exactly what is the current South African government there would be no opportunity to covered– probably not equipment for taking action. discover the truth behind alleged produced by the company’s US bribery and corruption in the many factories– or how long it will last, this Dick Evans out BAE deals under investigation. nonetheless could have a significant One small moment of joy was the Together with The Corner House, impact on BAE’s business. revelation in BAE’s annual report that CAAT mounted a legal challenge to The authorities in Austria, the Sir Richard Evans had ceased to be the decision on the grounds that the Czech Republic, Switzerland and employed by the company as an SFO failed to properly apply Tanzania are reportedly still adviser on its Saudi deals at the end prosecution guidance, in particular investigating the allegations. of February. BAE’s boss during the that the plea agreement that was However, South Africa– after Saudi period from which many of the reached had failed to reflect the Arabia the subject of the biggest allegations date, Evans’ £247,000 seriousness and extent of BAE’s alleged corruption– has abandoned a year advisory role was defended alleged offending. its action against Fana Hlongwane, by current Chief Executive Ian King Unfortunately, documentation an adviser to the late Defence just a week previously. given to the court by the SFO indicated that its case against BAE was not as advanced as its own press releases had said, leaving us Join the People’s Jury with no alternative than to regretfully withdraw our legal challenge. BAE If the legal system can’t hold BAE to account, you can. As we prepare for still has to formally plead guilty in a BAE’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 5 May (see page 10), CAAT UK criminal court. has launched its People’s Jury. Add your comment at http://baepeoplesjury.wordpress.com. If you are not online, send your reasonably short and pithy contribution to the office and we will add it for you. caat news APRIL –JUNE 2010 3 arms trade shorts

Military spending BAE is to share in £33m set aside by Analysts said that this did not the EU to develop technologies to necessarily mean that the country Greece’s military procurement plans snoop on its citizens. The projects, would curtail its fast-rising military may suffer as a result of the country’s which the European Commission say spending, with the US claiming that financial turmoil, with major have undergone “rigorous ethical China spends more than its budget acquisition programmes pending for review”, include teaching CCTV how figures suggest. some time possibly now on hold. to “make inferences about the JANE’S DEFENCE WEEKLY, 10/3/10 However, Greece’s overall debt on acceptability of human behaviour”. military acquisitions has been reduced Any new technologies will be the due to an austerity campaign by the property of BAE Systems and other Israel former conservative government. participants, rather than the DEFENSE NEWS, 22/2/10 taxpayers behind the £33m. Israeli company Plasan has formed a PRIVATE EYE, 19/3/10 joint venture with Marshall Land South Africa’s financial crisis has led Systems to design, manufacture and to a 4.1 per cent cut in its 2010 Saudi Arabia and BAE Systems have market armoured systems for the UK military budget compared to the agreed on the next major phase of military. previous year. This represents a 15.9 Project Salam, meaning that DEFENSE NEWS, 2/2/10 per cent decrease on a previous assembly of the Eurofighter Typhoon forecast. The following two years will aircraft is due to start in Saudi US European Command and the also see cuts. Key army procurement Arabia in 2010. Israeli military have completed an is expected to remain unchanged. JANE’S DEFENCE WEEKLY, 6/1/10 agreement that allows up to $800m JANE’S DEFENCE WEEKLY, 24/3/10 of US war reserves to be stored in Israel. The agreement caps a process Morocco has increased its military China to determine conditions under which budget by $1bn over 2010 and US-owned stockpiles can be made 2011, leading to suggestions that China has said that cooperation with available for Israel’s emergency use. Morocco is trying to keep pace with the US will be detrimentally affected DEFENSE NEWS, 11/1/10 Algeria. Much of the additional funds after Washington’s announcement of will be spent on 24 F-16 aircraft a $6.4bn arms deal with Taiwan. from Lockheed Martin. Morocco’s The Chinese foreign minister Airbus increasing reliance on US suppliers described the deal as “a violation of coincides with a three-fold increase the code of conduct between Spain has suggested relocating high- in US military assistance. nations” and China then severed skill aviation production jobs from JANE’S DEFENCE WEEKLY, 3/3/10 military-to-military links with the Filton (near Bristol) to Spain if the UK Pentagon. does not contribute its share of an Meanwhile, in the first aerospace aid package to rescue EADS’ Airbus BAE sale to Taiwan by a European project. contractor in nearly two decades, EADS and Airbus customer nations BAE Systems has lost out to US rival Eurocopter has beaten Sikorsky to have reached an agreement in General Dynamics in a competition supply helicopters to the Taiwan Air principle to save the troubled project. worth more than £1bn to build the Force. This was followed by TIMES, 5/3/10; JANE’S DEFENCE WEEKLY, 10/3/10 army’s next reconnaissance vehicle. suggestions that the deal could BAE is now likely to go ahead with jeopardise Europe’s commercial ties 500 redundancies in the UK. This to China. would leave its Newcastle site facing OBSERVER, 31/1/10; DEFENSE NEWS, 8/2/10 closure. Babcock/VT FINANCIAL TIMES, 23/3/10 Spain’s ambassador to Beijing has said that his country will use its Babcock has won control of the VT A Unite union representative has said presidency of the EU to push for an Group (formerly VosperThornycroft) that 375 redundancies at BAE end to the EU arms embargo on with a £1.36bn bid. Both companies Systems sites in Warton and China. Critics say that any such provide engineering and support Samlesbury have been completed move should depend on concessions services to the Ministry of Defence without any compulsory cuts. The from China. and other government customers. news came as the company revealed JANE’S DEFENCE WEEKLY, 3/2/10 DAILY TELEGRAPH, 24/3/10 that it had “aggressively” cut costs in expectation of reduced military China’s military budget has seen an budgets. unexpected slowdown in growth, Outsourcing drones LANCASHIRE EVENING POST, 26/3/10 falling to single figures for the first time since 1989. Civilian contractors employed via the privatised UK military technology

4 APRIL –JUNE 2010 caat news developments in the global arms trade company QinetiQ are being sent to military aid to Pakistan is set to Afghanistan to operate drones, double next year. Defence Services fuelling debate about the use of India and Pakistan have both been outsourcing in frontline operations. critical of US military sales or Asia arms fair Outsourcing is expected to grow transfers to the other. as pressure rises on military India has been described as the Malaysia, April 2010 spending but is controversial, not most important market in the world least because it may lead to a for military contractors looking to Some VIPs from the official list, situation where the decision to pull a make foreign sales in 2010 and with total numbers of VIPs from trigger is part of a commercial 2011, with the US and Russia each country shown. contract. battling over lucrative deals. TIMES, 8/2/10 WALL STREET JOURNAL, 25/2/10 UK (7 VIPs) Bob Ainsworth MP Secretary of State for Defence Italy South America Sir David Richards Chief of General Staff Italy’s Finmeccanica is developing Increased military spending in South Sir Paul Stephenson links in foreign markets, thanks to the America has led the US secretary of Commissioner of the Met. Police travels of Italian Prime Minister Silvio state to question whether an arms Richard Paniguian Berlesconi. The company recently race is underway in the region. Head of UKTI DSO sealed deals in Libya, Kazakhstan Venezuela, Brazil and Chile have Air Vice Marshal Nigel Maddox and Belarus following Italian made significant arms purchases and The Senior Military Adviser diplomatic initiatives in those the value of arms transfers to the Burma (11 VIPs) countries. Finmeccanica also signed region has nearly doubled between General Thura Shwe Mann a deal with Russia during the Russian the five-year periods 1999-2003 and Chief of Staff President’s visit to Rome. 2004-2008. Police Major General Khin Yi DEFENSE NEWS, 7/12/09 The Stockholm International Peace Chief of Myanmar Police Force Research Institute (SIPRI) think tank China (13 VIPs) argues that, for countries other than General Chen Bingde Ukraine Venezuela and Colombia, this does Chief of the General Staff not necessarily add up to an arms H.E. Meng Jianzhu Ukraine has signed a major military race, as current build-ups are driven Minister of Public Security contract to supply the rebuilt Iraqi by factors other than competition and Indonesia (12 VIPs) security forces. It is estimated to be perceived threats from other countries General TNI Djoko Santoso worth between $2.4bn and $2.8bn. in the region. SIPRI suggests that Chief of National Defence Forces JANE’S DEFENCE WEEKLY, 23/12/09 motivations include modernisation, Pakistan (10 VIPs) driven by high commodity prices for General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani copper, oil and soya, and also Chief of the Army Staff Georgia efforts to promote domestic arms Rwanda (1 VIP) industries. General James Kabarebe Georgia has denounced a proposed SIPRI, 10/1/10 Chief of Defence Forces French sale of tanks and warships to Saudi Arabia (2 VIPs) Russia, saying that it would allow the Field Marshal Saleh Al-Muhaya country to invade neighbours “within Chief of General Staff of the Army hours”. The Georgian President also Sri Lanka (7 VIPs) suggested that the sale of an Lieut. Gen. Jagath Jayasuriya amphibious ship could lead to Black Commander of Army Sea confrontations between Nato Sudan (3 VIPs) and Russia. Lieut. Gen. Mohamed Abdul Gadir TIMES, 19/2/10 Joint Head of Staff Sudan Army Yemen (2 VIPs) Major General Abdulmalik Altayeb India and Pakistan Central National Security Zimbabwe (7 VIPs) The US is expanding weapons sales H.E. E. Mnangagwa to both India and Pakistan. Minister of Defence It has made billions of dollars in General Constantine Chiwenga weapons deals with India, which is Chief of Defence Forces in the middle of modernising its Commissioner Chihuri Augustine military. At the same time, US Commissioner General of Police caat news APRIL –JUNE 2010 5 universities network University action on arms

CAAT Universities Coordinator Sarah Reader introduces this year’s highlights

As we enter this year’s final academic term, students continue to take action against their universities’ links with the arms trade.

Talks, skill sharing and planning at the Universities Gathering On 6 March students from different universities gathered in York for a day of workshops and skill sharing. Noted peace researcher Steve Schofield spoke on arms conversion and the economy, which are issues that often confront students when they Participants at the Universities Network Gathering take action at recruitment events. There were also workshops on campaign skills and the new through their investments, funding of against this. Academic institutions campaigns guide “How to disrupt research and recruitment practices. and arms companies should not mix! arms company recruitment” was BAE Systems is in regular attendance Join us on 5 May, everybody launched. at university recruitment events and welcome! See page 10 for more students continue to take action info. New campaign guide! With the end of the academic year approaching, the Universities Network is preparing for a new Campaign Focus: university, and therefore not subject session of arms trade recruitment in to the Ethical Investment Policy. autumn by launching a counter- DISARM York DISARM York used a Day of recruitment guide. The guide sets out Action as an opportunity to keep up the campaign against arms DISARM York is a group of students pressure on the university and companies and the way they target that came together in January 2009 pension fund managers. The group students, and gives tips on how to after finding out that the University held a candle-lit vigil outside the carry out a successful action. From of York ranked higher in league Vice-Chancellor’s house for victims disrupting evening events to tables of university investment in of the arms trade, and posted sabotaging stalls and handing out arms manufacturers than in hundreds of postcards from students leaflets, the guide will be a useful academic league tables. supporting the campaign. The vigil tool for groups wishing to stop arms The university implemented an was a moving reminder of the companies from accessing students. ethical investment policy after damage caused by corporate Copies of the guide will be available hundreds of students turned out to greed. at the Annual General Meeting demonstrate and after receiving a We were privileged to host the (AGM) of BAE Systems (see page petition of two thousand signatures. Universities’ Network Gathering. 10) and it will soon be available for It has pledged not to knowingly We were so inspired by the actions download from the CAAT website. invest in any company that causes and campaigns at other Universities direct harm to individuals. and left with a revived energy to do Targeting the BAE AGM However, York University continues whatever it takes to end our CAAT Universities Network has some to invest up to a million pounds in university’s investment in arms exciting plans for the BAE AGM. BAE Systems through its pension manufacturers. Students, universities and arms fund, on the basis that the fund is a Alexandra Peck, DISARMYork companies continue to be linked “separate corporate body” from the

6 APRIL –JUNE 2010 caat news caat around the uk Speak’s Day of Action

1 March – What made this Monday Some passers-by took photos of morning so different for the staff of the unfamiliar scene. This was UK Trade & Investment Defence & probably the first they knew of this Security Organisation (UKTI DSO)? being the address where arms deals Well, a crowd of about 70 young are promoted by the Government, people had congregated in front of paid for by taxpayers’ money. UKTI’s headquarters at 66 Victoria The demonstration was organised Street in London, dancing, singing by Speak, a Christian network of and enjoying themselves. And they young people who campaign against were colourful too, with their banners Government support for the arms and slogans like “no bailouts for trade, and for other progressive bombs” or “British arms exports: causes. In the afternoon the Speak aiding repression and harming supporters headed to the Houses of development”. Best of all was the Speak’s cardboard tank and Parliament where they lobbied ten huge tank made of cardboard and flowers MPs with the anti-arms trade decorated with flowers. message. Niki Goridis Spring Election We don’t gatherings campaigns want BAE York played host to a fantastic day of Sharen Green, a CAAT Local A public meeting in Washington, inspiring interactions and workshops Contact, has been busy lobbying Tyne and Wear, attracted 147 for 25 CAAT supporters in March. parliamentary candidates to sign a people concerned about a BAE Debates on the day included “What Demolition Order for UKTI DSO (see System’s development in their town, keeps the myth alive that the arms pages 8 and 9) at a hustings and which will replace their Birtley site. trade is essential for the British surgery. Dr Sue Farrant, a Liberal While BAE claim the development economy?” and “How to get our MPs Democrat candidate and serious will boost the local economy, it is to go beyond their party lines on contender for the marginal seat suspected that jobs will be lost in the closing the Government’s arms sales (currently held by the Conservatives) move and residents have concerns department”. agreed to sign. She also supported that consultation for the planning Lots of exciting plans were shared, an immediate arms embargo on permission was very poor. among them: organising a hustings Israel. This was a promising sign that If you live or work nearby and want involving over ten campaigning thoughtful candidates are willing to to get involved then email Anne- groups including the CAAT group in go beyond their party lines and call Marie at [email protected]. Edinburgh; the London group for the closure of the Government beginning to share their news on department that exists solely to Twitter; three people joining CAAT’s maximise arms company profit. Speaker Network; and lots of people Day of planning on targeting their candidates and MPs around the prayer election! Your news please! Many people said that the best If you would like to be involved in thing about the day was meeting all If you take action against the arms CAAT's Christian Network, please the other great people involved. trade, let us know! We’d love to support the Arms Trade Day of By the time this issue of CAAT news have your stories and photos for Prayer on 20 June and publicise the hits your doorstep, another Spring our website, or for CAAT Twitter, UKTI campaign in your Church, Gathering will have taken place in or for CAAT news (the next Meeting or Justice & Peace Group. Bristol and plans will be shaping up deadline is 28 June). Email Anne- Order a FREE copy of our Day of for Stop Week (see pages 8 and 9). Marie at [email protected]. Prayer pack by calling the office or emailing [email protected]. caat news APRIL –JUNE 2010 7 ukti GET EQUIPPED FOR ACTION AGAINST THE ARMS TRADE

Sarah Waldron, Anne- Stop Week is a fantastic opportunity arguments for arms exports. All this Marie O’Reilly and Niki to link up with other CAAT supporters and more can be ordered from the Goridis outline plans for in your area to meet your MP. Even if CAAT office or found online at Stop Week, 19–27 June you’re not able to take part in a www.caat.org.uk/ukti. lobby meeting, please take a couple Few people think that the UK should of minutes to send your MP a brief Find out about sell arms to countries in conflict or to letter asking him or her to support your MP regimes that abuse human rights, but our campaign. If just 20 per cent of Before contacting your this is the reality of UK arms export CAAT news readers did so, we could MP, it’s useful to do policy (see the shaded box, ‘UK arms reach 90 per cent of MPs! some research to find in conflict’). The policy around arms out what their views and interests is, first and foremost, to sell them. Arguing the case are. This not only helps you select the These sales line the pockets of the CAAT’s new report arguments that are most likely to arms companies, but they couldn’t ‘The Case for Closure’ convince your MP, it also makes you happen without the Government’s makes a powerful feel more confident and comfortable support, funded by the UK taxpayer. against Government in answering questions. The UK government doesn’t just support for arms exports and the You can find out what their party approve weapons sales to tyrants, closure of UKTI DSO. Shorter position is on page 12 or visit conflict zones and human rights background information can be http://www.caat.org.uk/election. abusers: it actively promotes them. found in our briefings ‘Arms Trading Local newspapers may also have The UK Trade & Investment Defence at UKTI’, ‘UKTI DSO in Action’, and reports on MPs views and interests. & Security Organisation (UKTI DSO) ‘Making the Case’, which is a two- Much more information can be is a unit of 160 civil servants with the page guide to refuting the main found online as more and more remit of drumming up business for the arms companies.

Take action UK arms in conflict Hundreds of new MPs will be elected on 6 May and we need your help to The UK has consistently sold arms to Israel, licensing exports worth between put the arms trade on the agenda for £10 million and £30 million a year, as well as supplying parts for the next government. Join in with incorporation into weapons exported to Israel by US suppliers. In 2009, Stop Week – CAAT’s national week Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary David Miliband admitted that Israeli of action against the arms trade – equipment used in Gaza “almost certainly” contained UK-supplied and ask your MP to support our call components. This equipment included Saar warships, which had fired into for the closure of the government’s civilian settlements on the Gaza coastline during Israel’s assault on Gaza in arms sales unit, UKTI DSO. We want December 2008 to January 2009. MPs to make a public commitment to On 31 December 2009 Ian Lucas MP, the Minister for Business and support our campaign by signing a Regulatory Reform, wrote that he “could not state categorically” that UK- Demolition Order for UKTI DSO’s supplied equipment was not used by the Sri Lankan Government in the closure. suppression of the conflict against the Tamils.

8 APRIL –JUNE 2010 caat news ukti

Stop Week will take place shortly after the election. We’re aiming to lobby ov er half of all new MPs by the end of the week . Can you help u s reach yours?

politicians are using the internet to department and link big and needn’t involve lots of engage with their constituents. up with others in your organisation. We can provide Contact the CAAT office if you don’t area. CAAT’s resources to help you plan and carry have internet access. Demolition Order off a successful event. See page 14 cards are a great, for more details. Meet your MP visual way to collect support for the There are many ways campaign. You can present them to to get in touch with your MP directly or send them to your MP. You can call CAAT to pass on with others. Action checklist or write a letter – Organise a stall or bring the cards contact us or visit the website for a along to public meetings to gather 5 minute action: welcome your template – but a face-to-face meeting signatures. See our top tips for new MP with a letter, and a is probably the best way to get the organising a stall here: copy of CAAT's report. Call campaign message across. If the MP http://www.caat.org.uk/getinvolv 0207 281 0297 or email supports our campaign, a meeting ed/runningastall.php [email protected] to receive a gives you the opportunity to ask him We can contact other supporters copy of the report ‘The Case or her to take action in signing a in your constituency to see if they for Closure’ and a template giant Demolition Order, posing for a want to help with a stall, lobbying letter. picture with your group, or writing a meeting or fundraiser. Email joint press release. Order a [email protected]. It could be the Arrange a lobby meeting with campaign pack or visit the website start of a new CAAT group in your your MP: contact for a step-by-step guide to successful town! [email protected] for a meetings. If you are a member of the Stop Week pack with all you After your meeting send a letter or Christian Network, order a Day of need to know, and to link up press release about it to the local Prayer pack to raise awareness with other CAAT supporters in media, including some pictures, and about the campaign in your faith your area. send a thank you note to your MP community. reminding him or her of any agreed Organise an event to raise action points. Gather for Good awareness of the arms trade Also, let CAAT know how the We’re asking and get public support for the meeting went. Even if they were supporters to organise campaign. discouraging it’s extremely useful for a social event – us to know what was said so we can Gather for Good – on Celebrate your efforts by better understand their position. And Saturday 26 June to Gathering for Good at the end if they supported the campaign, we end the week and of the week. want to record and celebrate this! provide an opportunity for campaigners, friends and family to Order a Stop Week pack. Get the word out gather together, celebrate the success Contact Demonstrate public support for of Stop Week and raise money for [email protected]. closing the Government’s arms sales CAAT. The event doesn’t have to be

caat news APRIL –JUNE 2010 9 news

BAE Systems AGM Hello Kirk

It's time for the BAE Annual General bribery details out of court and the Meeting (AGM) again and the public eye (see page 3). motivation for being there is as If you'd like to watch the BAE compelling as ever. board being held to account or even BAE is now the world’s largest question the board yourself, you can arms company, producing fighter become a proxy shareholder and aircraft, warships, tanks, armoured attend the AGM. And we've got vehicles, artillery systems, missiles, some entertaining ideas for the munitions and much more. The protest outside the AGM, including a weaponry is produced across its nine foot tall image of BAE Chair Hi! I’m Kirk Jackson and I am seven “home markets” (these include Dick Olver and nearly 100 judge delighted to be taking on the role the UK, US, Saudi Arabia and, as of wigs, music and cake. of Online Communications last year, India) and is sold We will be meeting at 10am on Coordinator, which is a new indiscriminately across the globe. Wednesday 5 May at Kingsgate position created to boost CAAT’s The company is not just known for House (66 –74 Victoria Street, SW1E online presence. One of my main its massive arms selling but for its 6SW), home to the government's tasks will be redeveloping the record of corruption. In February it arms sales department (the UKTI) and CAAT website. agreed a plea bargain with the from 10.30am at the Queen I’ve been involved with anti- Serious Fraud Office and US Elizabeth II Conference Centre, arms trade campaigns for years; Department of Justice following Westminster. For more about the demonstrating at DSEi, helping to investigations into its arms deals with protest see www.caat.org.uk/events. set up and run local groups, and several countries. The resulting fines To become a proxy shareholder ring getting involved with Peace News (small in the UK and significant in the Ian on 020 7281 0297 or email and the Anti-Militarist Network. As US) were clearly good business [email protected]. Ian Prichard well as raising public awareness decisions for BAE, allowing it to keep and lobbying for change I believe it is vital to take direct action against the arms industry. I’ve had a career in information technology and, for me, this is the ideal job! Goodbye Sal

After nearly two and half years of maximising CAAT's funds and improving our fundraising systems, our Fundraising Coordinator Sally Campbell is leaving us. It is with great sadness that we say farewell. Sal has been offered an exciting position of Individual Giving Fundraiser at the Fawcett Society, which is a great opportunity for her. We'd like to thank Sal for all her hard work and excellent new fundraising ideas, as well as being good fun to work with. She will be hugely missed from the team, and everyone at CAAT wishes her all the very best with the new job.

CAAT supporters at last year’s AGM

10 APRIL –JUNE 2010 caat news review

Film review: Micmacs ‘They said it’

“The sense of welcome we have received at BIAS has been truly stunning. It is great to see leadership which is truly understanding and responds to international needs.” Richard Paniguian, Director, UKTI Defence & Security Organisation, attending the aptly acronymed BIAS – Bahrain International Air Show

“DSO is doing a good job. UKTI's business focus with 1,300 commercial counselors spread around world markets has been excellent for industry.” Rees Ward, Chief Executive, Areospace, Defence and Security (ADS)

“In the UK human rights are not exactly respected like Sally Campbell reviews a quirky and heartwarming tale they are in Austria. I wasn't of opposition to the arms trade given underwear that was my size despite asking for it Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s latest Behind the PR several times. And they film, Micmacs (2009, cert12A) is the Bazil and his band of friends didn't give me a comb.” perfect antidote to those days when manage to successfully pit two Count Alfons Mensdoff-Pouilly, struggling against the power of the directors of rival arms companies BAE agent, on his English prison arms trade feels just a tad against one another. The portrayal of experience (see page 3) overwhelming. these two characters is cleverly built Like Jeunet’s most popular film up to show that behind the sanitised “If you are coming down Amelie , it relies on the viewer to façade and public-relations gleam of the motorway from London suspend disbelief and enter a quirky their corporate worlds lie two men or Blackpool and saw that world where the values of banding driven by greed and a quest for when you got to Red Scar, together and doing good for others personal supremacy. (Some may you would think, ‘What a are treasured. argue that it’s not necessary to wonderful thing, like the suspend disbelief on that point!). Angel of the North’.” Background Ken Hudson, Conservative leader The film follows the story of Bazil, a A must see of Preston Council, supporting the man set on avenging the arms It is a must see for all anti-arms erection of a huge statue of a companies whose evil products have campaigners in need of a reaffirming military aircraft as a tribute to killed his father and left him with a lift. It manages to convey important Preston's aviation industry (ie BAE) bullet precariously lodged in his messages about the corruption and head. He soon realises he won’t consequences of the arms trade “The concept of a warplane defeat the arms dealers on his own while not losing its humorous and on a huge stick is bad and befriends a fellow busker who imaginative edge. Its heart-warming taste.” takes him to a wonderful ending is encouragement to us all John Collins, Leader of the Labour underground world made of that the might of the arms industry Group, Preston Council salvaged junk, where circus acrobats can be defeated by individuals live alongside kooky inventors. working together to overcome it.

caat news APRIL –JUNE 2010 11 parliamentary General Election – what the parties say

These are condensed versions of the arms trade policies of the main political parties, except those in Northern Ireland. Fuller and updated versions are available on the CAAT website – go to www.caat.org.uk and follow the ‘Election Action’ link or just go straight to http://www.caat.org.uk/election

Conservative Party with allies and partners which helps support. We do not believe that The Conservative Party believes that support defence and international taxpayers should be expected to a better understanding of the security objectives. subsidise major arms exporters diplomatic and economic value of The defence industry makes a vital through credit guarantees. defence and security exports is contribution to the UK economy and needed and will give them a higher plays a leading role in stimulating Plaid Cymru priority than the present Government. and encouraging innovative science Plaid Cymru thinks that the arms We will review the assistance and and technology. UK-based defence trade causes untold misery and death co-ordination necessary between the firms provide high quality jobs. to millions of people throughout the Department for Business, Innovation Exports by these firms play an world, not just by means of and Skills and the Ministry of essential role in maintaining a strong, destructive force, but by diverting Defence (MoD) to provide our competitive defence industry here in resources from socially beneficial defence and security exporters with the UK which underpins its activities such as food production, the maximum support to continue to capabilities in terms of what the UK education and health. The expand their role in securing the armed forces can do. Government subsidies the arms UK's national interests. We will not We do not consider that support industry to the tune of £856 million move the UK Trade & Investment for defence exports is annually yet only 0.2 per cent of the Defence & Security Organisation disproportionate with other UKTI British workforce is employed in the immediately back into the MoD, but sectors. The larger proportion of arms industry. will have a period of assessment to Defence & Security Organisation staff see how we can best maximise in UKTI Headquarters reflects the Scottish National Party Britain's defence exports. different nature of its business with its The SNP is still discussing its policies, emphasis on government-to- but points to its 2005 election Green Party government support for commercial manifesto: “We will also help tackle The Green Party would: campaigns. the arms trade. Currently, the UK is * act to reduce arms sales worldwide The Government supports the the second biggest arms exporter in by ending Government support for defence industry's work on ethics, the world, with an appalling record and subsidies of arms exports, including anti-corruption. Securing a of unethical sales.” Ann Feltham including through UKTI DSO and the robust Arms Trade Treaty is a very Export Credits Guarantee high priority for the UK. Department; * press for successful negotiations Liberal Democrats over a robust and comprehensive Liberal Democrats will continue to Links global Arms Trade Treaty; demand that all arms exports are * use skills and resources at present received by the intended and Then Shadow Defence Secretary tied up in military industry in the UK appropriate end-user. We have been Liam Fox accepted a £50,000 to create new jobs and produce critical of recent British arms sales, in donation from a venture capitalist socially useful products, especially in particular to Libya and Israel. We involved with Gardner Aerospace, the renewable energy sector. welcome the United Nations vote to which supplies military parts for commence negotiations on an Airbus, BAE Systems and other Labour Party International Arms Trade Agreement. firms. The company’s clients are The Labour Government believes that Regarding UKTI DSO, while we involved in a number of military responsible defence exports help recognise that properly regulated programmes that face cuts after governments ensure that their people arms sales are legitimate, we do not the general election. enjoy security. They also assist this believe that arms companies should TIMES, 9/2/10 country to forge closer relationships be given disproportionate taxpayer

12 APRIL –JUNE 2010 caat news other grassroots action Nottingham arms Putting arms company shut down exports to Earlier this year, six activists (including CAAT’s new Online Israel on Communications Coordinator, Kirk Jackson) effectively closed a Nottingham arms company for the trial day. Heckler & Koch (H&K) is one of the world’s leading brands of small On 17 January 2009, during Israel’s arms, including assault rifles, attacks on Gaza, six activists entered submachine guns, pistols and a weapons factory in Brighton grenade launchers. The UK division calling themselves “citizens’ can be found in an unmarked decommissioners”. warehouse on a Nottingham Machinery used to make bomb industrial estate. release mechanisms and an assembly The activists moved into position area were put out of action. In before employees arrived for work. The demonstration at Heckler 2010, these activists hope to put Four locked themselves to the gates & Koch arms exports to Israel on trial. One using D-locks and home-made arm- of them said: tubes, while the other two climbed The six people arrested were “At the preliminary hearing on 1 onto the roof and unfurled banners charged with aggravated trespass. March this year, the prosecution accusing the company of “arming Five pleaded guilty and were claimed that by causing over a repressive regimes”. It took police ordered to pay costs and fines of quarter of a million pounds worth of nearly eight hours to remove all of between £40 and £195. The sixth is damage…we in no way could have the protesters using cutting equipment pleading not guilty and the trial is set saved lives in the Occupied and a cherry picker. for 20 May at Nottingham Territories. This therefore meant we The action was taken in response Magistrates’ Court. Kirk Jackson had no right to a jury trial. The judge to the company’s failure to address asked the prosecution to provide concerns about its business. H&K More information on the campaign evidence to substantiate such a weapons continue to be supplied to against Heckler & Koch in the UK claim, but the prosecution had armed forces that are known to can be found at nothing to show. The defence came commit human rights violations. www.shutdownhk.org.uk. back with arguments including the common law defence of necessity: acting reasonably in the circumstances to prevent a greater evil. Raytheon campaign The judge took a favourable decision for the defence: that the Campaigners in Derry celebrated used weapons supplied by Raytheon case should be heard by a jury. This victory in February after ten years of during the Lebanon war in 2006. is excellent because it means action, when the arms company Accused of criminal damage, the evidence and witnesses can be Raytheon announced that it was Raytheon 9 were found not guilty in brought into court as legally going to leave the city. a unanimous jury verdict in 2008. relevant.” Raytheon is the world’s largest One of the nine said: “We remain The trial has now been set for 17 manufacturer of missiles and the fifth proud of the action we took and only May. largest weapons manufacturer. wish that we could have done more Raytheon’s Derry software plant had to disrupt the ‘kill chain’ that For more information, including developed the firmware for Raytheon controls.” information on contacting Elijah transponders, targeting software and However the legal battles continue Smith, held on remand since the other crucial weapons guidance for some campaigners, with 14 action, see system-related work. facing criminal damage charges after http://decommissioners.co.uk. In one of the most high profile accessing the Derry plant in January actions ever against the site, nine 2009 in an attempt to disarm the people “decommissioned” Raytheon’s mainframe computer. For the latest Derry offices to prevent war crimes information see Indymedia Ireland at by the Israeli armed forces, which www.indymedia.ie. caat news APRIL –JUNE 2010 13 caat cash Fundraising

Stop Week fundraising

We’ve designated Saturday 26 June Dinner4Good get in touch and we can send you as a fundraising day during Stop Hold a dinner or barbeque and ask some we’ve come up with. Week, and hope that everyone guests to make a small donation in involved in Stop Week (see pages 8 return. Just visit Baking not bombs and 9) will take part. www.dinner4good.com/TREAT Hold a cake sale or coffee morning We’re asking supporters to where you can set up your own and double up by using the organise a social event – Gather for fundraising page and invite friends opportunity to distribute leaflets and Good – to end the week and provide and family. Guests can make a collect petition signatures while an opportunity for campaigners, donation of their choice to the Trust raising money for CAAT. friends and family to gather together for Research and Education on the and raise money for CAAT. Arms Trade (TREAT). TREAT has Information on the fundraising day The event doesn’t have to be big kindly agreed to donate all proceeds and a copy of our Local Fundraising and needn’t involve lots of to CAAT to fund our research and Guide are included in the Stop Week organisation – we can provide education work. Pack. Use the enclosed flyer to order resources to help you plan and carry your pack, or contact off a successful event. Questioning the Arms Trade [email protected]. We are sure you’ll all think of Organise a quiz night and charge We hope you’ll get involved in some imaginative and fun ways to teams an entry fee in aid of CAAT. If ending Stop Week on a high and socialise and raise money, but here you don’t have the time to look up helping us raise vital funds for the are a few ideas to get you started. enough brain-teasing questions, just campaign.

Phone, broadband & mobile

a and from broadb ce one and di eren Get ph r with a e Come to the Peace News Summer Camp s supplie ame tim telecom T at the s OXFORDSHIRE port CAA and sup 23-27 JULY 2010 Join people from across the broad spectrum of the British peace movement for fi ve days of exploration, celebration and empowerment. “Fascinating and engaging discussions, debates and conversations seemed to be taking place all the time all over the camp. Fantastic t 10 credi you a £ networking amongst groups and individuals” ill give o , we w will g A 2009 PN Summer Camper pporter spend AAT su of your t work As a C ND 6% xcellen rst bill A e their e Fed by local organic fruit and veg (lovingly cooked by the wonderful n your  continu o lp them Veggies of Nottingham), we are camping in a family-friendly and AT to he to CA renewably-powered way from 23-27 July near Faringdon, Oxfordshire, to make the world a better place. The camp costs £15 - £60 depending on income. See more at: www.peacenewscamp.info Call: 0845 458 9040 Visit: www.thephone.coop/CAAT empowering, inviting, sharing, training, creativity, QUOTE: ‘CAAT’ and AF0302 community-building, play, learning, entertainment

14 APRIL –JUNE 2010 caat news get involved Participate in CAAT – here’s how

Subscribe to an email list Order a copy of the Local Campaigns Guide or find out more about these campaigner roles by contacting Sign up to receive the monthly CAAT bulletin with the latest [email protected]. news and events, and receive press releases. Contact [email protected] or visit www.caat.org.uk/lists Universities Network

Make a donation Join our vibrant network of students and staff taking action for clean investment, stopping the arms trade’s graduate Our supporters’ donations enable us to strive for a world recruitment and exposing the arms trade's research without arms trading. Without your help, there would be involvement in universities. no campaign. Support CAAT by sending us a cheque, Visit our new Universities Network wiki – setting up a regular standing order donation, or by taking wiki.caat.org.uk. part in a fundraising event. Join the discussion and planning list – send an email to [email protected] Contact [email protected] to find out more and Campaign locally sign up for our monthly email!

CAAT’s campaigns are effective because people like you take action around the country. Have a look at our CAAT Christian Network campaigners’ “to do” list (see box) to find out our key campaign priorities. You might run a CAAT stall, contact The network raises arms trade issues within national your local media or invite a CAAT speaker to speak at an church structures and local churches. Contact Alun event. You can also get more involved in a campaign by Morinan at [email protected]. taking on one of these campaigner roles:

Join or start a local CAAT group – visit Leave a legacy www.caat.org.uk/getinvolved/local/groups.php to find out if there is a group near you or contact Anne-Marie If you are currently making or re-writing your Will, please [email protected] to start a group in your area. consider leaving a gift to help fund our campaigns. Your legacy will make a real difference to CAAT’s future work. Become a Local Contact – act as a contact for CAAT Please call 020 7281 0297 to discuss the different ways supporters in your area. Co-ordinate local campaign you can remember CAAT. activities or keep a local campaign group updated on CAAT’s work.

Become a Supporter Media Activist – help build Campaigners’ ‘to do’ list CAAT’s profile by contacting media with the help of a briefing from CAAT. Contact David at [email protected]. Take action at the BAE AGM on 5 May (see page 10) Order a Stop Week pack and take part on 19-27 June Join the CAAT Speakers Network – raise awareness (see pages 8-9). about CAAT and get people campaigning by committing Five minute action - welcome your new MP with a letter to arrange at least three talks a year. CAAT will provide and a copy of CAAT's report. Call 0207 281 0297 or training and a speaker’s pack with information and email [email protected] for the report and a template presentations. letter. Arrange a lobby meeting with your MP - contact Become a Key Campaigner – receive campaigner [email protected] for a Stop Week pack with all updates from CAAT and help spread the word about you need to know, and to link up with other CAAT CAAT in your area. supporters in your area. Organise an event or stall to raise awareness of the More information on how to campaign locally can be arms trade and get public support for the campaign found at www.caat.org.uk/getinvolved/local Celebrate your efforts by Gathering for Good at the end of Stop Week. caat news APRIL –JUNE 2010 15

Donate today!

You can donate to CAAT by either visiting our website at www.caat.org.uk, or by completing the form below (in block capitals) and returning to: CAAT, Freepost, LON4296, London, N4 3BR.

Name Telephone number

Address Email address

Card details Credit/debit card type (please tick appropriate box): Solo Switch/UK Maestro Visa Visa Delta Postcode Credit/debit card number:

I enclose a cheque for £______made payable to CAAT. Cardholder’s name I wish to donate by credit/debit card and have completed my card details. Please send me the CAAT news quarterly magazine. Please send me CAAT’s monthly email bulletin. Start date Expiry date Please acknowledge my donation.

Security number (3 digit number on back of card)

A direct debit is the most convenient and cost effective way to support CAAT. Just £5 a month makes a real difference. Service user ref: 250347

Instruction to your Bank or Building Society I wish to donate £______every to pay by Direct Debit month/quarter/annually (please delete).

To: The Manager Bank/Building Society: Reference (CAAT use only)

Banks/building societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions from some kind of accounts. Please pay Campaign Against Arms Trade Direct Debits Address of Bank/Building Society from the account detailed in this Instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this Instruction may remain with Campaign Against Arms Trade and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my bank/building society.

Postcode Signature(s) Name(s) of account holder(s) Date

Bank/building society a/c no. Sort code