In 1945, when I made my first contribution to the election of a Labour government, the party manifesto Let Us Face the Future looked forward to a “world of progress and peace”. The UN was founded, in the words of its charter, “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”. And the UK, as a member of the UN security council, was tasked with the implementation of that noble aim. What a contrast with today: global military spending the highest ever at $2.44tn; wars galore; and the Conservatives and Labour banging the war drums (UK to boost defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, Sunak says, 23 April).
I have often been downhearted since then, but now, at 95, I am closer to absolute despair. When are people going to learn to live together without killing one another and squandering precious resources on the means to do so? And when are they going to get rid of leaders who promote war as an answer to their problems? What everyone should be demanding is a global ceasefire and a concerted programme to tackle the existential threats to mankind.
Frank Jackson
Former co-chair, World Disarmament Campaign
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