I recently became aware that Norfolk County Council invests in the arms trade. Currently the Norfolk Pension Fund has 519,904 shares in GKN, which has total military sales of £867m. More importantly, the Norfolk Pension Fund may invest in other arms companies in the future (as it has done in the past), such as BAE systems, which has a history of selling arms indiscriminately to repressive regimes. As I am sure Norwich Anarchists realise, the arms trade fuels war, undermines development and breeds corruption.
 
It is wrong for Local Authorities whose role is to look after people in this country to invest in companies that cause misery to people around the world. Councillors must act appropriately in their capacity as Pension Fund Trustees, yet many institutions have sold off their arms shares and found that it is both legally and financially viable. Several Local Authorities have made a positive first step and invested a small percentage of their Pension Fund in a portfolio that excludes investment in arms companies. Norfolk County Council has not done this. The Pension Fund's performance is reflected in the levels of council tax we pay, this gives citizen's the status of beneficiaries, and thus the right to comment on investment policy.
 
Since discovering this information I have conducted a small, one-man letter/e-mail campaign, writing to the Leader of the Council, the Head of Finance, the investment commitee (6 letters), participating employers of the Pension Fund (60 letters), the elected members of the Council (100 emails). Although I have recieved a certain amount of positive feedback, the Council continues to invest in the arms trade.
 
Therefore I am contacting progressive groups in Norwich to get as much support as possible and to widen the campaign. I urge Norwich Anarchists to lobby Norfolk County Council concerning its investment in the arms trade.
 
The recent war in Iraq highlights the importance of this issue. Britain sold Iraq weapons and equipment in the 1980's, which contributed to Iraq's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs-whichj the US/UK are now intent on destroying(if they still exist). I hope to hear from you soon,
 
Ian S

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Norwich Anarchists fully support Ian's endeavours.
 
In the mean time we urge everyone to email/phone or write to Alison King (Leader of the Council) and tell her exactly what we feel about this abhorant trade.
 
Alison King
Leader of the Council
Cringleford Hall,
Intwood Road,
Cringleford,
Norwich, NR4 6TH
email:  alison.king.memb@norfolk.gov.uk
 
For more info on The Campaign Against the Arms Trade contact
 
CAAT,
11, Goodwin St,
Finsbury Park,
London,
N4 3HQ
 http://www.caat.org.uk