Quakers challenge politics of fear

The Government's legislative agenda is being shaped by a dangerous turn towards security, threat and control, Quakers in Britain has warned, at the expense of civil liberties, protest rights and compassion for migrants and refugees.

Ornate chamber full of people in red coats
The Government's legislative agenda is being shaped by a dangerous turn towards security, threat and control, Quakers in Britain has warned, photo credit: House of Lords/Roger Harris

But they welcomed the Government's commitment to following through on banning new fossil fuel exploration in the North Sea as an important step towards a sustainable future.

Responding to Wednesday's King's Speech at the opening of Parliament, Paul Parker, recording clerk of Quakers in Britain, said: "This King's Speech risks deepening a culture where more and more areas of public life are viewed through the lens of threat, control and defence.

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Real security is built through peace, justice and strong communities

- Paul Parker

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“Real security is built through peace, justice and strong communities, not military expansion and securitised politics."

Quakers expressed particular concern about the Immigration and Asylum Bill, which the Government frames primarily around "control" and "security".

Parker said: "Many people seeking asylum are fleeing war, persecution and climate breakdown. Compassion and human dignity must remain at the heart of migration policy."

The faith group also raised alarm over the continued erosion of protest rights, warning that the recent Crime and Policing Act has moved things further in the wrong direction, with no commitment to reverse course.

On Israel and Palestine, Quakers said that while the Government reaffirmed support for a two-state solution, there were no commitments on ceasefire efforts, humanitarian protections in Gaza or adherence to international law

This is despite clear evidence of genocide and the UK's continued arms supplies to Israel, they said.

Quakers welcomed a Hillsborough Law establishing a duty of candour for public authorities, electoral reforms to broaden democratic participation, more accountable policing, and commitments to tackling climate change and humanitarian need.

The faith group said it would continue working with parliamentarians and civil society partners to advocate for peace, human rights, climate justice and democratic freedoms.