Take action

Your voice makes a difference: Lobby opinion formers, write to your local MP, contact your local paper or simply become a Landmine Action supporter, keep abreast of current developments and pass the word on to friends.

A new opportunity

An international treaty process launched in Oslo in February and the appointment of a new UK Prime Minister present a vital opportunity for the UK Government to take a leading role on this issue.

The momentum of domestic and international campaigning for a ban on cluster bombs has increased rapidly during the past year. The use of cluster munitions during the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006 brought the horrific impact of these weapons on civilians to the public attention and the forefront of political agendas.

In response to Norway’s call for a new treaty some 70 countries are now ready to negotiate a prohibition on these weapons.

Although the UK has taken some of its oldest cluster munition types out of service (following Landmine Action’s “Product Recall” campaign last year) the Government insists on still using other types that have been documented as causing excessive harm to civilians.  By insisting that these weapons are excluded from a future treaty, the UK is in danger of undermining the whole process.
 

NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE ACTION

There are several easy actions you can undertake to support the UK campaign to ban cluster bombs:

• Click here to send Landmine Action’s easy-email to Foreign Secretary David Miliband

• Click here to send Oxfam’s easy-email to Prime Minister Gordon Brown

• Click here to sign the online Downing Street petition

• Write to MPs and ministers regarding the UK’s decision to retain its M85 cluster munitions. The resources below provide useful background information and guidance on letter writing:

Click here for an update on the Oslo Process and current UK policy

Click here for the Ban the 'M85' cluster bomb: factsheet

Click here for key points for writing letters

Click here for a sample letter to MPs

Click here for a sample letter to David Miliband

Click here for the Oslo Declaration text

Click here for CMC principles for a treaty on cluster munitions

Information on supporter actions will be updated in response to developments in UK policy and the international campaign. Please check regularly for new information.