Quakers in Scotland concerned over military spending plans
Quakers in Scotland have raised concerns over plans to grow Scotland's military industry, in the Scottish government's newly published five-year Programme for Government (PFG).
They say it clashes with the Scottish government's own commitment to be a good global citizen providing humanitarian aid to people affected by conflict and considering the international impact of domestic policy.
The PFG commits to a "responsible defence industrial growth programme."
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Responsible defence spending must mean full transparency about where public money ends up
- Pleasaunce Perry, clerk, Quakers in Scotland
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Public money already supports Scottish firms making arms components for conflicts in Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere.
Quakers in Scotland say the potential increase in military spending makes it more urgent than ever for the Scottish government to show that public money isn't fuelling human rights abuses.
This summer, Quakers in Scotland wrote to Cabinet Secretary for Economy Stephen Flynn.
They asked him to ensure the release in full the findings of a review into how Scottish Enterprise checks its grants aren't funding weapons used in human rights abuses.
The review is complete, but the findings remain private. Quakers in Scotland say they are still waiting for a reply.
Pleasaunce Perry, clerk of Quakers in Scotland, said: "Our faith teaches us that there is that of God in everyone, so every life lost to conflict matters.
“Responsible defence spending must mean full transparency about where public money ends up so Scotland is not left complicit, even indirectly, in grave human rights abuses."
Quakers in Scotland are also disappointed that the PFG does not call for an end to new North Sea oil and gas.
Instead, it says ministers will call on the UK government to take "an evidence-led and case-by-case approach" to North Sea projects.
The Scottish Government has shifted in recent years from a tougher stance against new fossil fuel extraction, though a promised refreshed energy strategy could offer room to push for change.
There was a warmer welcome for plans to increase the Climate Justice Fund, which includes support for communities in the Global South hit by climate loss and damage.