Report from the Annual General Meeting
Held 11 December 2006
34 people attended this
year's annual general meeting, an increase from last year's attendance
of 21.
Guest Speaker: Anas Altikriti reported on his work to gain the release of Norman Kember, who was taken hostage in Iraq last year. Norman has faced a lot of criticism and personal attacks since his return. The government and pro-war spokespeople have been reluctant to admit that his release was primarily obtained by the antiwar movement.
The shift in opinion recently has been amazing. The conservatives now claim that they are against the war, while the Daily Mail is claiming that it is THE anti-war paper! Conditions are dreadful in Iraq today. People go in daily fear of being killed. Parents say goodbye to their children each morning, not knowing whether it will be the last time they see each other. Injustice continues in Palestine. A UN Special Committee was stopped from entering Palestine by Israel, on the day of the AGM.
Chair's Report: 2006 has been a busy year. We have worked with miltary Families Against the War, in marking the death of the 100th British soldier killed in Iraq, and more recently to raise funds in support of their attempt to force an inquiry into the reasons for going to war. We responded strongly to Israel's invasion of Gaza and Lebanon. Street stunts were arranged on many issues, including the continued detention of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, and a die-in to mark the 5th anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan. LCAW has also particupated in opposing replacement of the Trident missile system, whose cost is estimated at £24 billion. Speakers at meetings have included Alice Mahon, George Galloway, Peter Brierley and Lindis Persy. Thanks were given to many people who have served the Coalition over the last year.
One of the co-chairs, Sally, has decided to step down after 4 years. Her place will be taken by Tabassam, working alongside Dave (who was re-elected).
Treasurer's Report: Accounts have been audited. Reserves have improved since last year.
Peace Conference: A proposal was made to hold a people's assembly on Islamophobia in Leeds. After some discussion, and considering that similar meetings had been held by local groups, it was agreed to instead organise an event with a broader remit. This will be taken up at the first meeting of the new year.
Guest Speaker: Anas Altikriti reported on his work to gain the release of Norman Kember, who was taken hostage in Iraq last year. Norman has faced a lot of criticism and personal attacks since his return. The government and pro-war spokespeople have been reluctant to admit that his release was primarily obtained by the antiwar movement.
The shift in opinion recently has been amazing. The conservatives now claim that they are against the war, while the Daily Mail is claiming that it is THE anti-war paper! Conditions are dreadful in Iraq today. People go in daily fear of being killed. Parents say goodbye to their children each morning, not knowing whether it will be the last time they see each other. Injustice continues in Palestine. A UN Special Committee was stopped from entering Palestine by Israel, on the day of the AGM.
Chair's Report: 2006 has been a busy year. We have worked with miltary Families Against the War, in marking the death of the 100th British soldier killed in Iraq, and more recently to raise funds in support of their attempt to force an inquiry into the reasons for going to war. We responded strongly to Israel's invasion of Gaza and Lebanon. Street stunts were arranged on many issues, including the continued detention of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, and a die-in to mark the 5th anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan. LCAW has also particupated in opposing replacement of the Trident missile system, whose cost is estimated at £24 billion. Speakers at meetings have included Alice Mahon, George Galloway, Peter Brierley and Lindis Persy. Thanks were given to many people who have served the Coalition over the last year.
One of the co-chairs, Sally, has decided to step down after 4 years. Her place will be taken by Tabassam, working alongside Dave (who was re-elected).
Treasurer's Report: Accounts have been audited. Reserves have improved since last year.
Peace Conference: A proposal was made to hold a people's assembly on Islamophobia in Leeds. After some discussion, and considering that similar meetings had been held by local groups, it was agreed to instead organise an event with a broader remit. This will be taken up at the first meeting of the new year.