Quakers warn UK government’s defence review misses key security issues

Responding to the government's Strategic Defence Review, Quakers in Britain said that without a wider security review, climate finance, peacebuilding and other issues could be overlooked.

And they criticised the removal of key issues from the review, including plans to raise military spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP and discussion around the UK's nuclear weapons programme.

[QUOTE-START]

We must use the weapons of integrity, reason, patience and love

- Paul Parker

[QUOTE-END]

In their submission, Quakers highlighted two major threats to global human security: growing armed conflict, militarisation and nuclear risk; and climate breakdown.

They urged the government to show leadership by improving nuclear arms control and upholding international law.

Militaries are contributing to climate breakdown, the Quakers said, emphasizing the need to invest in non-military responses to conflict, such as funding for conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Paul Parker, recording clerk for Quakers in Britain, said: “In the depths of World War II, Quakers recognised that the way of peace requires that people and nations should recognise their common humanity.

“We must use the weapons of integrity, reason, patience and love, they urged, never acquiescing in the ways of the oppressor."

The government's refusal to discuss the UK's nuclear weapons programme is extremely disappointing, Parker said.

“We stand by our statement of 1955, that to rely on the possession of nuclear weapons as a deterrent is faithless; to use them is a sin."

Launched in July by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, this is the fourth defence review in nine years. The government is seeking opinion from government, industry, academia and UK allies.

Quakers in Britain are a member of Rethinking Security (link), which will soon be launching an Alternative Security Review.

Join Rethinking Security training on engaging with your MP on security policy here