During the Global Days of Action on Military Spending (GDAMS), 13 April – 12 May, we join
with others to demand major reductions in military spending. We need to shift our current
understanding of security, which relies on military solutions, and invest in tackling climate change, eradicating poverty and in preventing future wars.
War (and preparing for war) does not solve its underlying causes: conflicts – often over natural
resources – and historical injustices. Military spending distorts social and political planning, and
diverts investment from nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution.
In 2020, during the COVID pandemic, global military spending had already reached $2 trillion. In 2021 the UK had the fifth-largest military budget in the world. That year, the UK spent £790 on the military for every man, woman and child in the country.
This year the UK Government’s spring statement announced an increase of £4 billion in military
spending. At the same time, our education and health budgets are clearly inadequate, and
millions of people face serious personal hardship.
More on the GDAMS campaign here: https://demilitarize.org.uk/global-days-of-action/
More on world military spending here: https://www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2021/worldmilitary-spending-rises-almost-2-trillion-2020
To: The Prime Minister, 10 Downing Street, London SW1A 2AA
We call on you urgently to:
• Cut the UK’s military spending and invest instead in mediation and peace diplomacy.
• Implement the UK Security Council’s resolutions relating to women’s security, and involve
skilled and experienced women in dialogue, mediation and advocacy for peace.
• Support and sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TWNP).
• Invest in reducing the UK’s polluting emissions, and support the development of sustainable
energy sources.
Signature:…………………………………………………. Name:………………………………………………………………………
Address:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Women in Black hold vigils every Wednesday between 6-7 pm at the Edith Cavell Statue, opposite the door of the National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin’s Place, London WC2. Our vigils are silent, women-only and if possible we wear black. We welcome all women who support our call for an end to militarism and war.
Contact us: Twitter @WIB_London FB @womeninblack.london http://london.womeninblack.org/
Donations for leaflets most welcome