ForcesWatch

With conflicts raging around the world, it is vital that we remember everyone who bears the human cost of war, civilians and military personnel alike, and stand up for peaceful solutions.

Produced in 1933 in the aftermath of the WW1 by members of the Co-operative Women's Guild, the white poppy is a symbol of remembrance and a commitment to peace. It reminds us to question militarism, challenge the normalisation of war, and speak up for a future where we can say “never again.”

We welcome the news of an independent investigation into 10 military training sites in England, following deeply disturbing allegations of rape and sexual assault at the Army Foundation College for under-18s in Harrogate. An investigation must lead to accountability and real change.

Navi Pillay, South African former UN human rights commissioner has been awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize for her work promoting international law and human rights. Pillay herself has publicly pointed to her report on Gaza as central to the award.

As chair of the UN Commission of Inquiry from 2021 to 2025, she led investigations into violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The commission concluded that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza and that Benjamin Netanyahu had incited genocide.

Once again, defence spending looks set to come at the expense of essential public services and investment in our future. Reports suggest ministers are preparing to cut government grants for heat pumps to help fund higher defence spending.

As previous energy secretary, Ed Miliband agreed to a £2bn cut to the Energy Department’s capital budget as part of the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which includes a £15bn increase in defence spending over four years.

📢FIGHT FOR OUR FUTURE, NOT THEIR WARS! Young people across Europe are rising up! From Germany to France and beyond, students are demanding investment in education, housing and social services — not bigger military budgets.

“The UK shares responsibility for the undermining of IHL and of any semblance of a rules-based international system.” @caatuk.bsky.social continues to challenge the UK’s role in the global arms trade. Its latest report, ‘Dead Letter' is a powerful reminder of why this work matters. 👇

The report “exposes how the UK arms exports system is fundamentally broken and rigged in favour of pre-determined conclusions” and focuses on two cases: the Saudi-led bombing of Yemen from 2015-2022, and Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Earth’s Greatest Enemy, a new documentary by American journalist and activist Abby Martin, examines the US military’s role in empire-building, its global environmental footprint, and its impact on communities around the world.

The AI arms race is here. AI is fundamentally changing the nature of warfare. Our article explores how the development and use of military technology is challenging ethical, societal and legal conventions, from automated targeting to the future risks of fully autonomous weapons.

“We are horrified but hardly surprised to learn that management at Exeter are more interested in flogging military training to despotic regimes than in defending world-class humanities and social sciences teaching.” 👇(1/4)

The university argues that the programme will educate rather than train military personnel, focusing on strategy and decision-making. It would be interesting to know whether the programme will advocate for better civilian protection, human rights, international law and accountability. (3/4)

“We are horrified but hardly surprised to learn that management at Exeter are more interested in flogging military training to despotic regimes than in defending world-class humanities and social sciences teaching.” 👇(1/4)

In July, the MoD announced that plans to expand cadet forces by 30% have been delayed until after 2030. The UK government has committed £70 million to the expansion, with research commissioned by the MoD and cadet organisations used to make the case for the social and economic value of cadets. 🧵⬇️

It is especially concerning when military-linked programmes like cadets are presented as filling gaps in mental health, community and youth services, while ultimately are primarily serving a defence and recruitment agenda. (3/4)

In July, the MoD announced that plans to expand cadet forces by 30% have been delayed until after 2030. The UK government has committed £70 million to the expansion, with research commissioned by the MoD and cadet organisations used to make the case for the social and economic value of cadets. 🧵⬇️

Today marks one year since John Swinney announced a pause on new Scottish Government grants to arms companies supplying Israel’s military. Since then, the arms industry has met with MSPs, ministers and the First Minister at least 18 times, lobbying to challenge or reverse the policy. (1/2)

“Machines that kill without distinction, answerable to no one, leave no one safe.” In a letter to the Guardian, military surgeon Dr Darren Mann asks what happens when machines are given the power to make life and death decisions. (1/2)