Minutes

PLANNING MEETING THURSDAY 12 JANUARY 2012

Present: George Farebrother, Pam Hurn, Anna Richards, Dorothy Forsyth, Theresia Williamson, Leslie & Nancy Dalton.

Apologies: Christine Qarrington, John Carmady

1. Minutes of last meeting and matters arising:

It was agreed that the minutes reflect a correct account of our last meeting.

We now have a Coop Bank account, well done George!

EDM 2472 on the Crime of Aggression (shown overside)has not had the impact hoped for. (Total number of signatures:7). Another meeting on this issue in the Scottish Parliament, is planned.

We thank Stephen Lloyd for organising this event.

2. Correspondence

Several of our recent letters to and from MPs and Govern-ment were discussed. Topics included Afghanistan, the July Paris Summit, Operational Readiness and a Nuclear Weapons Convention. We discussed the issues raised in the letters and the issues in future correspondence.

*** (George) Norman Baker MP has responded to the issue of “rubbish letters” from MPs i.e. standard replies to non-standard enquiries and this will be addressed to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, and MPs should be reminded of their duties to constituents.

3. Field of Asphodel

A Saturday evening in March (but not the 31st) has been suggested by the organiser, Julia McLean. We need to fix a venue and do publicity.

*** (George & Jean) The Underground Theatre would be the best venue as it has an established clientele and the best location. Other venues are the Friends Meeting House, the Catholic Church Hall and St Saviours.

4. Maya Evans

Maya Evans has travelled to Afghanistan with Voices for Creative Nonviolence. She has met Human Rights and Peace activists from Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine and Libya. She will also be able to report on some of those who have been affected by NATO night raids and drone strikes, as well as refugees from the war who are currently living in the capital. On her return, Maya will be speaking to groups throughout the UK. EPAL has sent her an invitation and we await a reply.