Twelve new nuclear submarines will not keep us safe, Quakers say
Quakers in Britain has criticised the UK government's new Strategic Defence Review, saying it prepares the country for more war instead of investing in peace.
Announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the review includes plans to build 12 nuclear-powered submarines and six new weapons factories.
It also reiterates plans to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027, aiming for 3 per cent by 2034.
Quakers say this focus on military expansion ignores the real causes of insecurity and will make the world more dangerous.
Last year the government cut billions from the overseas aid budget, and measures to mitigate climate change are in retreat.
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Real security means dealing with problems before they become conflict
- Oliver Robertson
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“Climate breakdown and increasingly militarist approaches to conflict are the biggest threats we face - and nuclear submarines won't stop either," said Oliver Robertson, head of witness and worship at Quakers in Britain.
In their submission to the review last year, Quakers identified climate crisis and armed approaches to conflict as the greatest threats to global human security.
They criticised the review's narrow focus, warning that global heating and the proliferation of nuclear weapons pose far greater existential risks.
“The idea that our nation is actively growing its nuclear weapons programme is morally repugnant," Robertson said.
“For almost 70 years, Quakers have said that 'To rely on the possession of nuclear weapons as a deterrent is faithless; to use them is a sin.'
“You don't stop war by building more weapons. Real security means dealing with problems before they become conflict."
He also condemned the Prime Minister's ambition for an army “ten times more lethal by 2035" as “an appalling goal that shows disregard for human life."
Quakers back the Alternative Security Review, which promotes a broader vision of safety based on justice, sustainability, and international cooperation.
“This plan doesn't make us safer," said Robertson. “It just fuels fear and violence. We need human security not more submarines."