The UK is one of the world’s biggest arms dealers, profiting from wars that drive millions from their homes. But when those displaced seek safety here, they are dehumanised and branded as ‘illegal’.
At the beginning of July 2025, the UK parliament voted overwhelmingly to proscribe the direct action protest group, Palestine Action, under the Terrorism Act 2000. As a result, any statement judged to be expressing support could lead to arrest and imprisonment.
The PPU was honoured to be invited to contribute to the Woodcraft Folk centenary camp – Camp 100 – held at the end of July and beginning of August 2025.
On 3rd July 2025, peace campaigners from around the UK held an online discussion with Russian conscientious objectors (COs) who are refusing to fight in the war in Ukraine.
Today on International Conscientious Objectors’ Day, a Russian conscientious objector (CO) is calling on the UK and other European countries to grant asylum to those who refuse to fight in the war against Ukraine.
British pacifists, along with many others, are commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day today. They argue that this is an occasion for reflection and learning from the past, and warn against using it to bolster support for current militaristic policies.
Peace campaigners are calling on the UK government to hold the British Armed Forces to account for systemic abuse within their ranks and to halt planned rises in military spending.
The Peace Pledge Union (PPU) is the UK's oldest secular pacifist organisation. Ninety years ago, the PPU was founded when Dick Sheppard put out a call for people to sign the Peace Pledge. Signing the Pledge remains the basis of PPU membership to this day:
We are witnessing the greatest intensity of war and violence so far this century. The destruction of Gaza continues unabated, as the conflict spirals out into the wider region, leaving thousands dead in Lebanon and threatening all-out war with Iran.
