Campaigners from the Global Campaign on Military Spending UK (GCOMS-UK) have expressed their dismay at Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement today (Tuesday 23 April) that UK military spending would reach 2.5% of GDP by 2030. Figures released yesterday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) showed that the UK is already the highest spending …
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, …
At the start of the Global Days of Action on Military Spending, the below statement has been released by international organisers. You can also download it as a PDF here. Disarmament now to save people and planet Humanity is at a crossroads where political decisions on defence budgets will determine the trajectory of the multiple …
On Friday 12 April Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer visited Barrow-in-Furness to give his support to the new generation of nuclear submarines being developed in the town. He also pledged to match the current Conservative spending commitments on the military, which would see an increase to 2.5% of GDP – well about the NATO target …
Dr Stuart Parkinson is Co-chair of the UK branch of the Global Campaign on Military Spending (GCOMS-UK) and Executive Director of Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR). Summary In the Chancellor’s Spring Budget, the UK’s core military spending rose to £54.2bn this financial year (2023-24), following the large multi-year budget increases announced in 2020 and 2023. This means …
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 …
David Cullen wrote about the recent report from the National Audit Office into MoD spending plans. His blog first appeared on the Nuclear Information Service website. The Ministry of Defence’s plan for equipment acquisition over the next decade has once again been branded unaffordable, with overspending on its nuclear programme now clearly responsible for the …
The AGM for the Global Campaign on Military Spending in the UK will take place on Tuesday 30 January 2024 and focus on military emissions and the climate crisis. The meeting will be joined by Deborah Burton, Co-Founder of Tipping Point North South, who was at the COP 28 meetings in the UAE in December …
Summary In the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, he confirmed that there had been a major rise – of 15% – in the UK’s core military spending last financial year. However, there are signs that the government’s enthusiasm for further growth is on the wane. In more depth The Autumn Statement 2023 (AS23)[i] revealed that the UK’s core …
Introducing Russell Whiting, the new GCOMS UK Co-ordinator. I’m delighted to be taking up this role at what is such a crucial time for our campaign to divert money away from military spending into socially productive areas. The climate crisis is raging around the world, and as leaders prepare to gather for the latest COP summit there is …
