Peace Pledge Union: Challenging militarism in a pandemic

Event Date: 4th March 2021
Location: Internet 6:30pm

Join us on 4th March: Challenging militarism in a pandemic

This week has brought us another shocking example of everyday militarism, the news that the arms company BAE Systems are producing fairy tale-based videos for children: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/arms-companies-fairy-tale-stories-bae-b1780982.html

Everyday militarism is all around us but it can seem harder than usual to campaign against it during the Covid pandemic. That’s why we’re inviting PPU members and allies to join us at 6.30pm on Thursday 4th March for an online event: Challenging Militarism in a Pandemic.

At this event, we will explore ways to campaign effectively and practically against militarism, drawing on varied experiences and learning from each other. Whether you’re an experienced activist or new to the whole issue, you will be equally welcome.

This will be followed the next month by another online event: Challenging Militarism in Your Community, on Monday 12th April. This will be a chance to share ideas and make plans for campaigning in your own area.

There will be other events as the year goes on, including in-person events when they become possible (the programme of events had been planned for last year but was delayed by the pandemic). More details will be available shortly. Keep an eye on the PPU website or social media, or drop us a line with questions or suggestions at [email protected]

12 Ways We Resisted Militarism in the UK in 2020

2020 was a tough year. But whenever arms dealers and militarists have sought to wage war and increase their power, they have faced resistance.

In many parts of the world, arms dealers and armed forces have taken advantage of the pandemic and instability to increase their own power. In the UK, Boris Johnson’s government offered the armed forces a massive increase in fundingwhile leaving an underfunded NHS and underpaid healthcare workers to deal with the pandemic.

But despite this, people have stood up for justice – and often won. The peace movement is part of that resistance. We could list many, many examples of the way in which pacifists and other peace campaigners have taken action, but here are just twelve of them: https://www.ppu.org.uk/news/12-ways-which-we-resisted-militarism-uk-2020

Our thanks to those who supported our annual appeal in December. If you haven’t yet had chance to contribute and would like to make a donation to support our work in 2021, please visit our website: https://www.ppu.org.uk/appeal