The Peace Party is in the final stages of setting its policies for the 2019 General Election.  It notes that Campaign Against the Arms Trade is asking one of the other parties to include the following points in its manifesto.  We believe that all points are covered in ours.  We acknowledge the work of  CAAT in bringing these matters to our attention:

1. Stop promoting weapons sales 

Close the Government’s arms sales department which employs 150 staff to push weapons sales globally; end Ministry of Defence-funded ‘campaigns’ promoting arms equipment.

2. Stop selling arms to countries in conflict or violating human rights

End all arms sales to Saudi Arabia, where UK fighter planes and missiles have been used in the war on Yemen. Figures published today show that the Government has licensed £2 billion worth of arms sales to repressive regimes since 2017.

3. Create jobs in renewable energy and low carbon technology industries

As part of a new industrial strategy, a Defence Diversification Agency should build on the skills of arms industry workers to create good quality, alternative jobs that make the world a safer place.

4. Rethink how we define ‘security’

A new Government must radically rethink its understanding of ‘security’, going beyond military problems with military solutions, which only make the world a more dangerous place. Resources should be invested in addressing the real causes of insecurity.