• IN 2017 the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear weapons (ICAN) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its role in facilitating the development, drafting and promoting the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons worldwide (the TPNW).

As more and more countries around the world signed up to the TPNW it entered into force in January 2021.

ICAN then initiated the Cities Appeal to encourage local authorities throughout the world to commit to and promote the TPNW.

The aim is to then influence more governments to sign up to the UN Treaty.

Many cities, towns and local authorities in the UK have joined the appeal. In London only Tower Hamlets and Newham have joined so far.

Camden (and St Pancras and Holborn before it) has had a commendable history and reputation for promoting peace over many years.

It is traditional for the Camden mayor to speak on Hiroshima Day in Tavistock Square every year.

In the present horror of the Ukraine war, with two powers with nuclear arsenals potentially confronting each other, the abolition of nuclear weapons is more than ever essential for the future of Europe and the rest of the world.

I urge the Camden Council to formally support the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons through the ICAN Cities Appeal.

Surely in the present war now is the time for Camden, the UK and us all to support and promote the final abolition of nuclear weapons.

ROBERT MacGIBBON
Leighton Grove, NW5