New data on global military spending – published today – shows that last year it grew by 6.8% above inflation to a massive $2.44 trillion – the highest level since the end of the Cold War. The UK’s percentage increase – 7.9% – was higher than some of the largest NATO states including the USA, …
This article by GCOMS-UK Steering Group member Colin Archer, was originally published on Labour Outlook. When the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt stands up in Parliament tomorrow he will deliver what could be the last set-piece financial announcement before the General Election. These events are not only great parliamentary theatre but also give a chance for politicians …
This short briefing examines UK government spending presented by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, in his Spring Budget 2023 (SB-23).i Summary The detailed figures for SB-23 show that UK military spending over the period 2021-25 has been boosted by £7.1 billion when compared with budget figures announced in last autumn. This includes an …
This short briefing examines UK government spending presented by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, in his Autumn Statement 2022 (AS-22). Summary Probably the main story of AS-22 – in terms of military spending – is that there isn’t actually a great deal to report. Despite the bluster of the Truss government’s promise to …
“Instead of peace through strength we caused war through weakness… other democratic powers, especially in Europe, must commit to matching US defence spending as a proportion of GDP.” Jeremy Hunt MP, writing in The Telegraph 11/03/22 As the world watches in horror the Russian invasion of Ukraine, an extremely dangerous narrative is emerging. One that …
More than 50 Nobel Laureates have launched the Peace Dividend campaign calling for a reduction in international military spending of 2% per year over the next 5 years. Half of this money would be ring-fenced for pandemic control, climate change mitigation and the alleviation of extreme poverty. While many would wish to see a more …
On 14 September the British Government-backed arms fair Defence and Security Equipment International was launched in London. A biennial defence and security trade exhibition that in 2019 welcomed 1,700 exhibitors from 58 countries, it has been the source of much criticism arising from concerns that a British-backed arm trade helps fuel human rights abuses worldwide. Despite such ethical concerns, …
26 April 2021. UK campaigning organisations are urging the government to rethink its military spending decisions in the light of the pandemic and the climate emergency. Figures released today by the world-renowned Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) show that global military spending in 2020 increased by 2.6% to $1981 billion and the UK’s military …
This briefing note was prepared by Dr Stuart Parkinson, Executive Director of Scientists for Global Responsibility. In November 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a very large increase in UK military spending. Total additional spending is approx. £24bn over four years, i.e. an average of £6bn per year (see table and graphs in appendices). The …
