peacebuilding & nonviolence

CO Day 2026 Michael Elstub

Gatherings held UK-wide for International Conscientious Objectors' Day

On May 15th, gatherings took place across the UK to mark International Conscientious Objectors' Day (CO Day), an annual occasion in solidarity with conscientious objectors.

No to military conscription

UK Government faces growing calls to rule out military conscription

Today a coalition of British peace organisations is launching a new petition calling on the UK government to rule out military conscription, or any form of compulsory national service involving the armed forces.

Stop Bombing Iran

Stop Attacking Iran, End the Cycle of Violence

The PPU joins peace campaigners across the world - along with most people in the UK, US and elsewhere - in condemning the US and Israeli assault on Iran.

Object War Campaign

Russian and Ukrainian conscientious objectors speak out

On 9th December 2025, conscientious objectors (COs) from both Russia and Ukraine spoke to an online audience of over 100 people in the UK.

Stop DSEI Arms Fair

Profiting from War, Punishing the Survivors

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’.

Peace pledge extract

Pacifist Action

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.

PPU at Woodcraft Folk Camp 100

PPU attends Woodcraft Folk's centenary 'Camp 100'

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.

map of COs around the world

Russian conscientious objectors meet with UK peace campaigners

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.

Co Stone inscription

Russian conscientious objector demands asylum rights for those refusing to fight 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.

Trident nuclear submarine

Ten reasons why the UK should not increase military spending

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.

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