Stop the War coalition Newsletter 11.02.22

Newsletter – 11/02/22

Starmer Attacks Stop the War Coalition

Keir Starmer inexplicably attacked Stop the War yesterday and once again sided with the Tories by backing their aggressive posturing over Ukraine. It’s a clear sign that under his leadership there is no chance of Britain having an independent foreign policy and that he will follow the US’s lead no matter the cost. It’s a sad state of affairs for a Labour Party that should have learnt its lessons after the catastrophes in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As Stop the War Convenor, Lindsey German, said in her response to Starmer’s attack:

“Starmer’s recent outburst about the Stop the War coalition seems to be a critique of his former self. Does he now think he was not a “benign voice for peace” but “at best naive; at worst actively giving succour to authoritarian leaders”? Partly it is sad because he in all likelihood believed what he said then but has now joined the ranks of those politicians who will say anything, no matter how flatly it contradicts their previous statements, if it serves their current ambitions.”

With Starmer having laid his cards on the table we must do all we can to strengthen the anti-war movement in Britain and continue to demand an independent, peaceful foreign policy.

If you agree and want to help us further this demand you can do so by becoming a member of Stop the War today (if you’re not one already) or affiliating your local group or trade union branch.

Watch Back: No War in Ukraine – Stop NATO Expansion

Last night we held a very successful online rally opposing any push to war with Ukraine and NATO’s nuclear warmongering agenda. If you missed it just click on the image above to watch it back and hear from an excellent panel of guests including Jeremy Corbyn, Medea Benjamin and Nina Potarska. 

Tomorrow: Protest for Yemen – Stop Arms Sales!

The Tories continue to back the ruthless Saudi-led coalition in its war on one of the poorest countries on earth. The UN estimates that 377,000 war related deaths had occurred by the end of 2021. Of these, around 60% are due to indirect effects of the economic and social collapse of the country. Most deaths are among children under the age of five, with one dying every nine minutes.

The arms sales and diplomatic support continue despite a wave of recent airstrikes killing over 100 civilians, including a targeted bombing of a detention centre.

Join us tomorrow (Sat 12 Feb) at midday outside Downing Street to demand an end to British support for this senseless war. 

Join this Weekend’s Cost of Living Crisis Protests

Whilst the cost of living crisis takes hold the Tories are sending millions of pounds ramping up tensions in Ukraine and dropping bombs on people in Iraq and Syria. Even when people are being forced to chose between heating their homes and eating it seems there is always money for weaponry and war. We say: cut war not welfare!

Make sure you join tomorrow’s People’s Assembly protests taking place across the country against the government’s warped spending priorities. 

This Week’s Anti-War Briefing