News

Semih Sapmaz speaking on CO Day 2024

Refusing to Kill: Why we should listen to the voices of conscientious objectors

Earlier this year, when the head of the British army, General Sir Patrick Sanders, called for a “citizen army” to prepare for a ground war with Russia, military conscription was suddenly in the headlines, pushed by right-wing commentators and hawkish politicians.

CO Stone inscription

Israeli refusenik calls for an end to the persecution of conscientious objectors worldwide

An Israeli conscientious objector, due to speak at an event in London today to mark International Conscientious Objectors' Day, has called for support and solidarity for conscientious objectors facing persecution around the world.

British tank

Sunak accused of inflaming global tensions with 'war footing' military spending plan

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been accused of ramping up global tensions with his pledge to increase UK military spending by £75bn over six years.

Welsh white poppy

Peace activists call on new First Minister of Wales to follow his “moral duty to act as a force for peace”

On the day that Vaughan Gething’s appointment as First Minister of Wales is confirmed, Welsh members of the Peace Pledge Union have urged him to “strive to make Wales a beacon of peace which can provide an example to the rest of the world”.

Troop and police officer on street

Say No to Conscription: PPU Statement on Army Chief's Call for a 'Citizen Army'

General Sir Patrick Sanders' call for a 'citizen army', raising the prospect of military conscription, reflect the increasingly aggressive militarism of the UK political establishment, as well as the broader rise of everyday militarism in the UK.

Reckless escalation: British pacifists condemn US-UK attack on Houthis in Yemen

British pacifists have called the attack by the US and UK on Houthi targets in Yemen a dangerous and irresponsible escalation in a conflict that threatens to engulf the Middle East.

PPU protests in 2023

2023 month by month - a year of peace campaigning amidst growing militarism

Spiralling military spending. Peace campaigners under attack in Russia and Ukraine. The devastating violence in Israel and Gaza. In 2023 there has been no shortage of war and militarism for peace campaigners to resist.

Bill Hetherington

Donate in memory of lifelong peace campaigner Bill Hetherington

Bill Hetherington, who was at the centre of pacifist activism in the UK for more than half a century, died on Sunday 5th November at the age of 89.

Many tributes have been coming in from across the peace movement by the many who knew Bill and worked alongside him.

The PPU join other peace campaigners to challenge Telford Arms’ Fair

Britian’s leading pacifist organisation joined other peace groups and individuals to contest the ambiguously named Specialist Defence and Security Convention (SDSC) at Telford International Centre on Thursday 2nd November.

Pacifist not passive: Opposing militarism with active nonviolence

On the streets of Britain right now, we are witnessing the largest anti-war demonstrations since the Iraq war.

White poppy wreath

White poppy ceremony will hear from bereaved families in Israel and Palestine

White poppies will appear in numerous ceremonies across the UK today to mark Remembrance Sunday.

white poppy stall

Surge in demand for white poppies amidst ceasefire protests

There has been a sharp rise in demand for white poppies ahead of Remembrance Day this year, following increased interest from groups and individuals calling for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza.

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