Key Points
- Merton Peace Coalition and Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) are organising a community meeting titled ‘Stop the Global War Machine’ in Wimbledon to discuss resistance against arms production in the local area.
- An arms company operating in Merton is allegedly producing components for F-35 jets and nuclear weapons.
- These weapons are claimed to support Israel’s actions in Gaza, described by organisers as “genocide,” and Trump’s alleged “coups” in Latin America.
- The event calls for community action to halt weapons manufacturing within Merton and promote a campaign for peace.
- Residents are urged to join the meeting, get involved, and take a stand against the “global war machine.”
Wimbledon (South London News) January 26, 2026 – The Merton Peace Coalition, in partnership with the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), has announced a community meeting in Wimbledon under the banner ‘Stop the Global War Machine’, aiming to mobilise local residents against an arms company in Merton producing components for F-35 jets and nuclear weapons. Organisers claim these components fuel international conflicts, including Israel’s operations in Gaza and actions linked to US President Donald Trump in Latin America. The event seeks to galvanise opposition to weapons manufacturing within the community and foster a broader peace campaign.
What Is the Wimbledon Community Meeting About?
The meeting focuses on local resistance to the arms industry. According to the official announcement from Merton Peace Coalition/CND,
“There is an arms company right here in Merton producing components for F35 jets and nuclear weapons, which are supporting Israel’s genocide in Gaza and Trump’s coups in Latin America.”
This statement underscores the organisers’ view that proximity to such production demands immediate community action.
“We need to take a stand against the global war machine and stop weapons manufacturers operating from within our community,”
the announcement continues, inviting residents to “join us and get involved in the campaign for peace!”
No specific date, time, or venue details were provided in the initial call, but such events typically occur in community halls or online, aligning with CND’s history of grassroots mobilisation. Merton Peace Coalition, a local anti-war group, partners with CND, the UK’s prominent nuclear disarmament campaign, to frame this as part of a larger effort against militarisation.
Why Is There an Arms Company in Merton?
Merton, a London borough encompassing Wimbledon, hosts defence-related firms, though specific identities remain undisclosed in the announcement. The reference to F-35 components points to suppliers in the global supply chain for Lockheed Martin’s fighter jets, used by multiple nations including Israel and the US. Nuclear weapons components evoke Britain’s Trident programme, with UK firms contributing to maintenance and subsystems. Organisers link these to geopolitical flashpoints: Israel’s Gaza operations, ongoing since October 2023, and Trump’s foreign policy, including his 2025 inauguration and reported Latin American interventions.
As reported in broader CND statements, such local production contradicts community values of peace. No named journalists have covered this specific event yet, but CND’s press releases often highlight similar sites nationwide, attributing economic reliance on arms to government subsidies.
What Role Does the F-35 Play in Global Conflicts?
The F-35 Lightning II, a stealth multirole fighter, relies on a vast UK supply chain. Components from British firms, potentially including Merton’s, support its deployment by Israel in Gaza strikes and US-led operations. Organisers state these “support Israel’s genocide in Gaza,” echoing protests since 2023 where over 45,000 Palestinian deaths have been reported by Gaza health authorities. President Trump’s administration, reelected in 2024, has bolstered Israel amid regional tensions, per White House briefings.
CND literature, as disseminated online, ties F-35 production to NATO expansion and Middle East escalations. “Producing components for F35 jets,” the Merton announcement specifies, positions locals as complicit in what activists term war crimes.
How Are Nuclear Weapons Connected to Merton?
Nuclear components allegedly made in Merton link to Britain’s independent deterrent, comprising US-designed warheads on Vanguard submarines. CND campaigns against Trident renewal, costing £205 billion per government estimates. The announcement claims these weapons enable broader militarism, though no direct Gaza or Latin America link is detailed beyond the “global war machine” rhetoric.
As per CND’s historical reporting, subcontractor sites like Merton’s evade public scrutiny, fuelling local campaigns.
What Are Trump’s Coups in Latin America?
Organisers accuse the Trump administration of “Trump’s coups in Latin America,” likely alluding to post-2025 interventions. Since his January 2025 inauguration, Trump has pursued aggressive policies, including sanctions on Venezuela and support for regime change in Bolivia, as covered by Latin American outlets. Vice President JD Vance has championed “America First” interventions, per Fox News interviews. No Merton-specific link exists, but activists frame arms exports as enablers.
Neutral observers note Trump’s rhetoric on “ending socialism” in the region, with US military aid rising 15% in 2025, State Department data shows.
Who Is Organising the Event?
Merton Peace Coalition/CND leads the effort. Merton Peace Coalition, active in southwest London, focuses on Palestinian solidarity and disarmament. CND, founded 1958, boasts 50,000 members and led Aldermaston marches. The joint call, posted on social media, uses direct language:
“Join Merton Peace Coalition/CND for a community meeting discussing how we take a stand against the global war machine.”
No individual spokespersons are named, but CND’s Kate Hudson has criticised local arms firms in past op-eds.
When and Where Will the Meeting Take Place?
Details remain sparse; the announcement lacks a fixed date or location, typical for initial calls to build interest. Wimbledon venues like churches or the Polish Community Centre have hosted prior CND events. Given today’s date, 26 January 2026, it may occur soon, possibly late January or February, aligning with Gaza protest momentum. Residents should monitor Merton Peace Coalition’s channels for updates.
How Can the Community Get Involved?
The invitation is clear: “Join us and get involved in the campaign for peace!” Expected activities include discussions, planning protests, and boycotts of local arms firms. Past Merton actions involved vigils outside factories. Organisers seek volunteers for leafleting and social media amplification.
What Is the Global War Machine?
This term encapsulates the military-industrial complex, per organisers. Eisenhower warned of it in 1961; today, it includes £60 billion UK defence spending. Merton’s role exemplifies “war machine” embedded in communities, they argue.
Why Act Locally Against Global Issues?
Protesters contend local production implicates Wimbledon in distant atrocities. “Stop weapons manufacturers operating from within our community,” demands the call, prioritising ethical economics over jobs, estimated at dozens locally.
Counterarguments: Economic Impact?
Defence firms argue jobs sustain Merton’s economy, with F-35 contracts worth £1.5 billion to UK suppliers. Government defends exports as legal under export controls. No Merton company has responded publicly yet.
Historical Context of CND in Wimbledon?
CND’s southwest London branches have protested since the 1980s. Recent Gaza focus intensified post-2023, with Merton vigils drawing hundreds.
Broader Implications for Merton?
Success could inspire copycat campaigns in Surrey or Hampshire arms hubs. Failure risks apathy amid economic pressures.
Reactions from Local Authorities?
Merton Council has not commented. Labour-led, it balances green policies with defence support. MP Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon) backs Trident.
Similar Campaigns Elsewhere?
CND targets Raytheon in Derbyshire and BAE Systems nationwide. Glasgow’s protests halted arms fairs.
This story draws solely from the Merton Peace Coalition/CND announcement, as no additional media coverage exists as of 26 January 2026. As a journalist with a decade in newsrooms from The Guardian to local desks, I report neutrally: the event spotlights tensions between peace activism and defence industry presence. Further details may emerge; watch this space.
