It is always a pleasure to read about the thinking that is taking place in the peace group “Rethinking Security”.  It is so refreshing to be able to reflect on the positive proposals coming from it (rather than the negative “stop this” or “ban that” approach of some groups).

Anyway, here’s a foretaste of some of the work of R.S. taken from their recently published “Media Factsheet” on how to begin to end the UK’s contribution to worldwide insecurity and violence:

• Re-set arms export policy, introducing a presumption of denial when considering applications from repressive governments and states with human rights violations and violent conflict
• Combat global militarisation, releasing policymakers from NATO’s arbitrary 2% spending target
• Review nuclear weapons policy, facilitating nuclear disarmament initiatives and reassess the renewal of Trident
• End the Department for International Development’s involvement in Countering/Preventing Violent Extremism programmes, allowing it to refocus aid on peacebuilding, human rights, governance reform and development
• End ‘securitised’ approaches to forced migration, adopting responses that address their social, political and economic causes.

The Peace Party has always explained that many steps (like these suggestions) will be needed in order for our ultimate Vision to be achieved – a country, indeed a continent and a world that will never require a military – the means to kill – in order to maintain peace and life.

Reference: https://rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/