Quakers join calls for Keir Starmer to rethink nuclear expansion
Prime Minister Keir Starmer must rethink his decision to buy 12 nuclear-capable F-35A jets to be stationed at RAF Marham, Quakers in Britain and other civil society organisations have said.
On 17 November, Quakers joined MPs and others at the hand-in of a letter to Downing Street which says the plan increases the risk of nuclear weapons being used in war.
The jets have been designed to launch US nuclear bombs, now very likely deployed across Europe and in Britain.
[QUOTE-START]
Investing in more nuclear weapons will not help the poorest and most vulnerable in our society
- Grace Da Costa
[QUOTE-END]
In the letter, signatories including Pax Christi and Green Party leader Zack Polanski MP argue that instead of protecting the British population, the decision: “ties Britain even closer to the dangerous leadership of US President Donald Trump."
It continues: “[W]e see this nuclear expansion as part of the war drive which is draining public funds away from essential public services and making the population poorer."
The letter hand-in follows a report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that has exposed the chaos and spiralling costs associated with government's decision.
The report reveals that the Ministry of Defence had little understanding of the technical and financial implications of Britain joining NATO's nuclear mission when Starmer announced the purchase in June.
The National Audit Office now calculates all 138 fighter jets could cost at least £71 billion, with more – as yet unknown – costs involved in joining NATO's nuclear missions.
The letter states: “[I]t is also deeply concerning that no opportunity was given for parliament to debate or vote on this decision before it was announced."
The government should tackle the real causes of insecurity, instead of pouring billions into lethal weapons, it says.
“This means reversing the devastating poverty, deprivation and crumbling public services that mark our communities, investing in sustainable homes, rebuilding our health and education systems, and funding a just transition through green jobs, skills and infrastructure."
Quakers are guided by words first agreed in 1955: “To rely on the possession of nuclear weapons as a deterrent is faithless; to use them is a sin."
Quakers in Britain's Grace Da Costa said: “Investing in more nuclear weapons will not help the poorest and most vulnerable in our society and will only contribute to further climate breakdown and conflict."
Ask your MP to call a parliamentary debate and challenge this dangerous decision