By Matthew Maslen
Earlier this month, I travelled down to London to take part in ‘A nuclear-free future: A day in Parliament with Youth and Student CND’.
With other young people from across England and Wales, I took part in workshops with MPs and Peers of the House of Lords.
We were joined for short question and answer sessions by Jeremy Corbyn MP, Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP, Kirsten Oswald MP, and Baroness Jenny Jones.
We discussed sustainability, peace, and nuclear disarmament. For example, the risks associated with, and greenwashing of, nuclear power. Particularly, the threat that nuclear power stations pose in areas engaged in conflict, as we have seen in Ukraine.
We also discussed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and how we can encourage our government to engage with the treaty process in the run up to 3MSP.
It was inspiring to see their dedication and continued passion for these causes, and to hear of their work to empower others to take action. As Corbyn said: “you should not cut yourself off from being an activist on becoming an MP”.
At a time when military spending is increasing, and US nukes are set to return to the UK, it’s reassuring to know that there are pro-peace voices representing us.
