ON January 21, 2021, the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons came into force.

To date, 59 countries have ratified the treaty.

All around the world, groups will be celebrating.

To mark the anniversary in Keighley, there will be a street stall and leafleting outside the bus station from 11am to 1pm. From 11.30am to noon, there will be a silent vigil.

The refusal of all the nuclear weapons states to even acknowledge the existence of the treaty, which makes nuclear weapons illegal, illustrates their complete disregard for our real security. And at the same time new weapons are being developed and all nuclear weapons states, including Britain, are increasing their nuclear bomb arsenals.

Our voices must be heard in the changes needed for the wellbeing of the earth and all living things.

Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth.

Lead us from despair to hope, from fear to trust.

Lead us from hate to love, from war to peace.

Let peace fill our hearts, our world, our universe.

Sylvia Boyes, Keighley