Stop the War coalition Newsletter 17.2.23

There is no opposition to the warmongering either in parliament or in the media; no dissent from the opposition benches to the war policies of the government. In his visit to Kyiv earlier this week, Keir Starmer made clear his commitment to support the war, reassuring President Zelensky that there is “no difference” between Labour and Conservative policy when it comes to Ukraine.

 

So far the Tories have scuppered peace talks, taken the lead on pushing NATO to supply increasingly offensive weaponry, and pumped billions into arms spending. All 100% supported by the loyal opposition.

 

A year ago, Starmer’s diktat prevented Labour MPs criticising NATO, effectively silencing all opposition in the parliamentary party to the war. A year later, this silence is deafening. Starmer has repeatedly attacked Stop the War for our stand on the war in Ukraine, and as the war intensifies this spring so too will the attacks on the anti-war movement.

It will only be through extra-parliamentary activity that any opposition to the war will be heard. This is why it is so important for as many of us as possible to head to London on 25 February and join our Peace Now demonstration.