Campaign Against Arms Trade has responded to a speech 'Defence in Global Britain' by the Secretary of State for Defence, Gavin Williamson in which he spoke about the need for "hard power to support our global interests' and increased ‘lethality."
Andrew Smith of Campaign Against Arms Trade said: “With the UK at a crossroads, the Government should redefine its role, but that should mean an end to interventionism and the focus on projecting military strength around the world – not more of the same failed policies that have done so much damage.
"Williamson rightly condemns those that flout and ignore international law, but the Government is arming and supporting Saudi forces widely accused of violating international humanitarian law in atrocities against Yemen.
"At a time when budgets are being squeezed and cut across the country, and when millions are being hit by austerity, the Government is finding even more money for the military.
"It's time for Williamson and his colleagues to take a different view on security. Where the UK, and other rich nations, can make a positive difference is through overseas aid, supporting civilian peace-building efforts, and investing in renewable energy and green technologies to combat climate change, which is the number one threat to our security and that of the world.”
* Read Gavin Williamson's speech here
* Campaign Against Arms Trade https://www.caat.org.uk/
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