Join the call for a Global Ceasefire now, and end all arms sales, which divert spending from supporting human needs |
Dear friend,
The COVID-19 pandemic affects us all, but communities facing conflict and repression are even less able to prepare for and cope with the virus. Yet the UK continues to prioritise arms company profits over human life.
The UK continues weapons sales to Saudi Arabia for use in attacks on Yemen. Five years of bombing has already destroyed Yemen's healthcare system; now COVID-19 has been found in the country too.
The UK continues to license weapons sales to India, in spite of government-backed murder and oppression of its Muslim population, when that money could be spent on vital healthcare in the fight against COVID-19. It continues to sell arms to the Philippines, where President Duterte has ordered police to shoot dead anyone causing ‘trouble’ during the lockdown.
Meanwhile the UK continues to waste billions of pounds on aircraft carriers, fighter jets and nuclear weapons, money which could be spent on life-saving protective equipment and ventilators.
The UK must end the sale of arms which fuel conflict.
The UN Secretary General has called for an historic global ceasefire, to allow war-torn countries the chance to focus on the threat of COVID-19. It would provide access for humanitarian aid, allow health workers the chance to prepare for the crisis, and offer a crucial window to build lasting political solutions.
UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has backed the call for a global ceasefire. Now he must turn these words into action.
The Foreign Secretary must take a lead at the UN Security Council in building a unified backing for a global ceasefire; and the UK Government must also end arms sales, which only fuel tensions and divert spending away from critical human needs.
Thank you.
 |
Caroline
Campaign Against Arms Trade