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military spending & recruitment

Stop DSEI Arms Fair

One of the world's largest arms fairs, DSEI, takes place in London next week, on 9-12th September. Amid global instability and conflict, arms dealers will gather to make deals that benefit the few at the expense of both people and planet.

Stop DSEI Arms Fair

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’.

map of COs around the world

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.

Child handling a weapon at Armed Forces Day event

Joint press release by ForcesWatch and the Peace Pledge Union

Trident nuclear submarine

Keir Starmer has pledged to increase the UK’s military budget to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 - the largest sustained increase since the Cold War.

Army training exercise

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.

Child handling a weapon at Armed Forces Day event

Joint press release by ForcesWatch and the Peace Pledge Union

Peace campaigners have welcomed the news that there will be no national event for Armed Forces Day this year, as no local councils have come forward to host it.

troops and police on streets

British pacifists have said they will refuse to join or in any way support the military under the Tories’ plans to reintroduce national service, if the scheme is ever implemented.

Semih Sapmaz speaking on CO Day 2024

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

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.

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