UK General Election 2024: Peace needs our voice

just over two weeks to go to the UK General Election on Thursday 4th July, manifestos have been released and all political parties are deep into their campaigns.

This election comes against a background of increased violent conflict around the world. The war in Ukraine continues, there are no signs of a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and, in Sudan, a potential genocide is proceeding largely unreported. There are violent conflicts in other countries that we hear very little about. As Pope Francis has said, it is as if a third world war is being fought 'piecemeal'.

Both of the major parties have made security and defence (in their words) a significant pillar of their campaigns. We have been told we are living in a 'pre war' state and must prepare for war. The Tories, Labour Party and Liberal Democrats are all committed to increased military spending. All are committed to maintaining the UK's nuclear weapons system.

In the UK itself, we can easily ignore what has been described as an epidemic of serious youth violence not just in our major cities but across the country. We sense increased polarisation and division in and between our communities. Even our politics is broken with very little trust in any party or politician.

To help us discern how to vote and how to question and make calls on the parties and the candidates in our constituency, we have joined with our colleagues in the Network of Christian Peace Organisations to produce a briefing note on the election which you can read here: https://paxchristi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NCPO-2024-general-election-document.pdf

The briefing focuses on the issues of Human and Planetary Security, Nuclear Weapons, Pathways to Peace, the role of the UK in responding to conflict around the world and Refugee Justice. Please let us know if you receive any significant responses on these issues from candidates in your area. You can find links to other election related resources from Rethinking Security, the Columbans and CAFOD on our website here: https://paxchristi.org.uk/general-election-2024/

Once the election is over, we will be welcoming our new representatives and the new Government and continuing to campaign and advocate for peace. If you aren't a member of Pax Christi, why not join us ? We and peace need your voice. Join us here: https://paxchristi.org.uk/about-us/support-us/become-a-pax-christi-member/