Issue 83 Spring 2021

Peace Matters

Magazine of the Pledge Union

DEFENCELESS: Why more warheads can’t make us safe

Also: We interview Ahmed Al-Batati, the former British soldier arrested for protesting over Yemen

Sign the peace pledge and join A year that exposed the the Peace Pledge Union! lies of militarism Symon Hill, Editor 2020 aimed at equipping each other “ is a crime against humanity. to tackle militarism in local commu- I renounce war and am therefore determined not to The speedy creation of Covid nities. The events have now begun in support any kind of war. I am also determined to work for vaccines has shown us just what can online format and we hope to hold the removal of all causes of war.” be achieved when money, time and them in person later in the year. energy are put into meeting human In this issue of Peace Matters, you ISSN 1350-3006 needs rather than devoted to waging can read news of resistance to the Join at ppu.org.uk or fill in the form below. war or making profits for the few. arms industry and everyday milita- Peace Pledge Union At the same time, vaccine nation- rism (pages 3-7). We have articles on I/We would like to see the peace pledge (above) and 1 Peace Passage, Lon- alism is a reminder that militaristic the challenge for and join the Peace Pledge Union. don N7 0BT attitudes are alive and well. after lockdown (10-11), an important The last year has shed light on campaign by people in Cardiff (14) Name ______Phone: the lies of militarism. Covid is dead- and the PPU’s new members’ survey 020 7424 9444 Address ______ly evidence that weapons cannot (15). On a sadder note, you can also ______Email: protect us. The deployment of small read an obituary of much-valued Email address [email protected] number of soldiers on helpful tasks PPU member Florence Assie, who such as building hospitals has made has died aged 95 (pages 12-13). Annual subscription: £24, or £12 if you are on a low Website: ppu.org.uk clear that such people’s skills could In the centre page we have an income,or £36 for two at the same address (or £6 to be better deployed as part of civilian interview with Ahmed Al-Batati, the subscribe to Peace Matters without joining the PPU). Peace Matters is emergency services. The Black Lives soldier arrested by Military Police published by the Peace Matter movement has exposed the when he protested outside Downing Either: I/we enclose a cheque for £____ Pledge Union. Materi- dangers of relying on romanticised Street about the war in Yemen. He al published in Peace images of history written only by the put conscience before obedience. Matters does not winners. necessarily reflect PPU Well done, Ahmed! Bank ______Account number ______policy. But many politicians and generals are wedded to militarism despite its SAVE THE DATE! Please pay on __/__/__ and on the same day each failure to protect us from pandem- Editor: Symon Hill 6.30pm; MONDAY 12 APRIL MONTH/YEAR. Proof-reading: ics, poverty or climate change. After Saffron Gallup telling nurses that they could not Join us online for Resisting To Unity Trust Bank, Birmingham B1 2HB 60-83-01 Printing: Solo Press afford a decent pay rise, ministers Militarism in Your Community. Peace Pledge Union Main Account no 2038694 threatened a 44% increase in nuclear Front cover: Trident warheads. Please visit ppu.org.uk for more the sum of _____ Amount in words ______nuclear submarine. Thankfully, many people are ready Thanks to CND for their details and to register (for free). to resist! Due to Covid, we had to kind permission to use Signature ______Date ______this image. postpone PPU events planned for Johnson threatens 44% New laws attack our rise in nuclear warheads human rights Pacifists have pledged that the UK Ministers have been accused of as- nicknamed the War Crimes Immunity government’s plans to increase the saulting human rights in several bills Bill. Having been passed by MPs, the number of nuclear warheads will be recently presented to Parliament. bill is being debated in the Lords. met with widespread resistance. The Police, Crime, Sentencing It introduces a “presumption Within hours of the news break- and Courts Bill offers the police against prosecution” for armed forc- ing on 15 March, the Peace Pledge swingeing new powers to restrict es personnel accused of war crimes Union was hearing from members peaceful protests, allowing them to overseas after five years. It also pre- and allies who were prepared to take specify start times, end times and vents forces personnel from pursuing nonviolent to impede noise levels at static protests as well legal action against the Ministry of the development and deployment of as marches. It creates the new term “Defence” after six years. new weapons - as well as many oth- “aggravated activist” to mean some- But there was embarrassment ers ready to campaign in other ways. that new warheads would protect one engaged in nonviolent direct for ministers when the International The plan reverses three decades were the profits of arms dealers. action or civil disobedience. It also Criminal Court reported in December of policy that, at least in theory, The Review came four months af- introduces new measures against that “there is a reasonable basis to was aimed at reducing the number ter Boris Johnson committed himself Traveller communities. believe” that UK military person- of nuclear warheads in the world to raising UK military spending by The Home Office said the bill nel in Iraq committed war crimes following the Cold War. It fails to more than £16bn - the largest per- would restrict protests that “stop including wilful killing, torture, rape respect the Treaty on the Prohibition centage increase since the Korean people from getting on with their and inhuman treatment of detain- of Nuclear Weapons, which came War. daily lives”. The Peace Pledge Union ees. The Court did not proceed to a into effect in January after being rat- There was particular anger that pointed out that if somebody’s daily full investigation, citing a procedural ified by 50 countries. All nine nucle- ministers announced the nuclear life involves – for example - running point about their jurisdiction. ar-armed states have been trying to warheads plan shortly after insist- an arms company, then this is a li- The PPU pointed out that UK ignore it since then. ing that the government could not cence to restrict protests against the armed forces personnel are almost The policy, announced in the Inte- afford more than a 1% pay rise for arms trade. never prosecuted for war-related grated Defence and Foreign Policy nurses, and after cutting overseas The bill was presented to Par- crimes. Review, involves raising the upper aid by nearly a third. liament only days after police had limit on the number of warheads Many critics argue that the policy misused Covid legislation to justify owned by the UK government from will give the Russian, Chinese and violent attacks on women holding a 180 to 260. other governments an excuse to vigil on Clapham Common in mem- The PPU described the Review as a increase their own arsenals, poten- ory of victims of violence against product of shallow militaristic think- tially meaning an arms race that will women (pictured). ing that offers no defence against make the whole world less safe. There has been a new develop- 21st century threats of pandemics, The PPU is committed to work- ment in controversy surrounding the poverty and climate change. ing with other peace and human Overseas Operations Bill. As re- They added that the only thing rights groups on the issue. ported in our last issue, it has been Sharp rise in ‘Woke’ arms dealers fail to orders from schools fool young people The number of schools ordering Recent months have seen a series white poppies and related materials of bizarre attempts by arms com- rose sharply in 2020 despite Covid. panies and armed forces to portray There were 280 orders for the themselves as progressive, feminist PPU’s new Remembrance Education and environmental. Packs, which included resources for Arms firm BAE Systems was the both primary and secondary stu- lead sponsor of World Skills UK Live, dents. an online careers event in November. Lockdowns meant that there were They claimed to be empowering fewer orders than usual from shops, young people, particularly young places of worship and other outlets. women, to use their skills and pursue discussion events” for young women While there was therefore a fall in where British-trained pilots are their ambitions. aged 16-24. Young women in the the number of white poppies pur- dropping bombs from British-made But members of the PPU Youth PPU accused them of misusing the chased overall, there was a rise in the planes”. Network pointed out that 10 of the language of feminism to promote an number ordered by individuals. Welsh-language white poppies 24 sessions were about careers in the organisation rooted in violence and White poppies represent re- were available from the PPU’s online military or the arms industry. obedience to authority. membrance for all victims of war, a shop for the first time. PPU members who attended the “This toxic and male-dominated commitment to peace and rejection Over 300 people attended the online event asked challenging ques- environment will never be some- of any attempt to celebrate war. First PPU’s Alternative Remembrance tions about BAE and the armed forc- where I turn to feel empowered,” produced in 1933, they are now dis- Sunday Ceremony online and over es. They found that their questions said PPU member Farah, 17. tributed by the Peace Pledge Union. 2,000 watched it within 24 hours. were quickly deleted from the “chat” The Ministry of “Defence” had “The Black Lives Matter move- Many were disappointed that Covid box - but not before other attenders another go at portraying themselves ment has reminded us that we need prevented the usual physical cere- had chance to see them. as progressive in December, when to explore the messy and complex mony in London’s Tavistock Square, Bake Off star Nadiya Hussain, who “Defence” Secretary Ben Wallace realities of history,” said Vix Lothian, but the event featured footage of was due to be the main speaker, said that they would use “sustainable a secondary school History teacher people around the UK laying white withdrew at the last moment. Or- fuels” for F-35 combat jets. on the Isle of Wight, who was not poppy wreaths in socially distanced ganisers refused to answer journal- Veteran climate campaigner Tam- surprised by the rising demand from formats. There were contributions ists’ questions about why she had sin Omond backed the PPU’s critical schools. She added. “Young people from Scottish singer Penny Stone done so, leading them to suspect response to the announcement. are keener than ever in working for a and Yemeni-Scouse poet Amina Atiq that it was down to the PPU Youth “Tackling the climate emergency more peaceful world.” (pictured). Network, who had written to her to means changing the systems we live Launching the white poppy cam- “We should all challenge war in all point out the reality of BAE Systems. by,” she said. “Peace activists and paign for 2020, the PPU’s Geoff Tibbs aspects,” said Amina. “This is about In February, the army ran what climate campaigners need to work said, “Many white poppy wearers all victims of war, whether it’s in our they described as “three INSPIRA- together to defeat militarism as well this year will remember Yemen, past or our present.” TIONAL, EMPOWERING FEMALE as climate change.” What happened after you were have such campaigns to put pres- Ahmed Al-Batati: Why I arrested? sure on our government to do what is right and stop them them from I was taken to a military police promoting for personal inter- broke ranks over Yemen station where I was processed and est. That is why I have left the army Ahmed Al-Batati made headlines questioned for the military laws that and created my own campaign around the world in August 2020 I had broken. I had never broken called Stand For Justice. We don’t when, as a British soldier, he was any laws previously so I didn’t know just raise awareness on government arrested while protesting outside what to expect but I knew that being foreign policy but also injustice that Downing Street over UK support court-martialled or imprisoned was is happening within our community. for the Saudi war in Yemen. He has a possibility and it was a risk I was Hats off to you guys, I think what you since left the army. willing to take. do is amazing.

We chatted with Ahmed about his What reactions have you experi- motivations. enced to your protest? TAKE ACTION What made you join the army? I had all sorts of mixed reactions. Yes, year ago when I started to become a lot of it was positive but there were To email your MP about I joined the army at the age of 19, a practising Muslim and I started to others that were more focused on British military support for the looking for a job that would chal- really self-reflect. I wanted to to be- me protesting in uniform rather than war in Yemen, please visit lenge me and develop an independ- come of service to others so I started what I was protesting about - which ent life for myself. I was into physical ppu.org.uk/action. a charity foundation with a group of was a shame but not everyone will exercise and like many 19-year-olds I friends to help the poor and vulnera- agree, so I was expecting a lot of hated desk jobs, so joining the army ble in Yemen. people to misunderstand my inten- was very appealing to me. tions. That’s when I realised the truth of (Opposite) Ahmed’s arrest by I didn’t follow politics and as far as what was happening in Yemen and Do you hope to see other armed Military Police I knew what Saudi Arabia did was our government’s involvement in forces personnel protesting? (Below) A placard displayed by best for Yemen. Not knowing about what is the worst humanitarian Ahmed opposite Downing Street the brutal killings of innocents and crisis. I was surprised to see a lot of serving the destruction of Yemen, leading soldiers and veterans showing their to millions having been starved due I felt uncomfortable and almost support but I didn’t expect them to to Saudi actions with the support of like a hypocrite in a way because protest and risk their careers even if our government. although I was trying to help those they did feel the same way. affected by the war, I was also servic- What led you to take a stand ing the same government involved in What do you think of and against the war in Yemen? promoting the war in Yemen. That’s nonviolent campaigns against war? when I knew I had to take a stand Islam is what led me to take a stand and later on decided to leave the I think it’s extremely important to against injustice. It was around a army. lesson plans for primary students, The ‘new normal’: finding linked to books with peace themes. These are written with links to the curriculum, but can be used simply space for peace education to guide conversation and to think Over the past few weeks, as schools have been about vocabulary and concepts relat- preparing for and managing the return of stu- ed to peace. They all include a practi- dents, the government has announced additional cal, drawing or creating activity. funding for “catch-up” projects. These include Our Co-operative Games sheet summer schools, extended school days and addi- is for times when interaction and tional tutoring. a break from table-based work are This past year has seen schools, colleges and needed. The Peacemakers RESTORE universities cope well with the implications of the emphasised in the new Curriculum framework has resources for primary pandemic. They have had to manage under stress- for . Enquiry-based learning and secondary students promoting a ful circumstances, often with limited or conflicting is key to the development of critical “safe and healthy” return to school. guidelines. The students, educators, parents and thinking skills and questioning sourc- We know the stress and anxiety Saffron Gallup, PPU carers are now being asked to do even more. es of knowledge and power. people have experienced this past Education Service But this idea of “catch up” raises a number of Where is the space for peace year. We see the inequality that has Manager, explores questions. Firstly, who are the children catch- education within this “catch up” been exposed by the pandemic. vital questions as ing up with? The national curriculum is based on framework? Well, we can include it Army recruitment campaigns are children and young attainment rather than developmental and social wherever and whenever we have taking advantage of a desire for a people return to expectations. What has truly been “missed”? Who the creativity and imagination to. sense of belonging. Arms compa- school. is going to do all of this extra teaching? And what We also have an opportunity to use nies are finding ways to promote will the longer-term impact be on the wellbeing of legislation, in the form of the UN themselves within the curriculum. children and young people? Will this ‘catch up’ sup- Sustainable Development Goals, to At the same time there has been a port them to become global citizens in a socially promote peace education as a priori- cultural shift in normalising conver- just future? And what space will be left for peace ty. Specifically in SDG Target 4.7: sations about mental health. Many education to fit into this? more people have become engaged Many parents/ carers and students have been “By 2030, ensure that all learners ac- in their communities and in social doing their best to continue with work set by edu- quire the knowledge and skills needed change movements. cational establishments. Parents and carers have to promote sustainable development, Peace education is a process. become increasingly involved in their children’s including, among others, through edu- Our work is to find creative ways to learning. It is the social aspects of learning that cation for sustainable development promote and integrate peace educa- have been reduced: opportunities to develop com- and sustainable lifestyles, human tion to support children and young Please visit munication skills and cooperative peer relation- rights, gender equality, promotion of people to feel confident in resisting ppu.org.uk/education ships; being able to express, and being exposed to, a and non-violence, everyday militarism and following a to find any of the opposing views within a safe environment. global citizenship and appreciation of different path - to understand that resources mentioned There are many people calling for art, drama, cultural diversity.” there are other options that will build in this article. sports and music to be a part of this ‘reconnecting’ a just future rather than destroy the process. Increased access to outdoor learning to is At the PPU, we have developed possibility of ever attaining this. until 2019. Obituary: Florence would be pleased that this work continues today. PRET is Florence Assie, 1925-2021 currently funding the employment of the PPU’s Education Service sale of the white poppies shows that Manager, who is reaching out to Florence Assie was a valued there are many potential members teachers through the PPU Education member of the Peace Pledge just waiting to be encouraged. And Network, writing new educational Union for many years and a there’s plenty of space for them on material for use in schools and pro- former member of PPU staff. the computer.” It was the early days moting peace education resources She sadly died in January, of office computers! on the PPU website. The PPU takes at the age of 95. After Florence retired, with her an active role in the Peace Education usual good grace and consideration Network with other peace groups. Longstanding PPU activist for her colleagues, she remained in The PPU recently prepared a schools Lucy Beck looks back on close contact with the office. She pack about Remembrance and the Florence’s life, her work with showed her interest in world affairs white poppy, which was used by a lot the PPU and her commitment with her involvement in the PPU In- of teachers and families last autumn, to the cause of pacifism. ternational Group in the late 80s and many conflicts around the world. We resulting in some very positive feed- early 90s. She wrote, “As pacifists, can give positive help to people in back about the discussions which Florence first came to the PPU our contribution to a more peaceful the ‘front-line’ by learning more of had taken place with pupils. office in the 1980s. Firstly, she was world is the conviction that conflict their struggles and giving publicity to One PRET Trustee describes a volunteer helping with whatev- can be handled without weapons. their cause,” wrote Florence. Florence as “independent-minded, er needed doing - which included But, to be effective, that conviction Members wrote postcards for clear-thinking, kindly”. Those of us research into the wars and casualties needs knowledge. The roots of war Prisoners for Peace day (1 December lucky enough to have known her will of current wars all over the world, for are deep and complex but not be- each year) to conscientious objectors miss her, but hope she would have publication in our magazine. When a yond our understanding...” to military service in prison around been pleased that the current PPU vacancy occurred she was appointed The group held occasional sim- the world. They discussed dangers staff are actively continuing the work onto the staff, working part-time on ple meals at House, to the environment and peace in the of peace, and peace education, to general enquiries, dealing with new then the PPU’s building in Endsleigh Antarctic, made links with groups which her life was dedicated. members and members’ records, Street in London. Their remit was concerned about Indonesia and Cen- and reception work. to stimulate discussion within the tral America, and picketed the South In 1988 she wrote a piece in the PPU of international issues from a African embassy, to mention just a During the Covid pandemic we PPU newsletter headed Call Flor- pacifist viewpoint, and to strengthen few of their actions at that time. are making only limited visits ence, asking members who wished contacts with other peace groups In view of her teaching experience, to the PPU office and have thus to be in touch with others in their around the world, including encour- Florence was particularly interest- been unable to access many of area to contact her. “The office com- aging participation of PPU members ed in our work on peace education our photos of Florence. We plan puter has now got our membership in our international organisation, the and became a trustee, then chair, of to add more photos to the online lists sorted out and can tell us just War Resisters’ International. the charity set up by the PPU, the version of this obituary, once we where you all are... The widespread “ is being practised Peace Research and Education Trust are able to do so. interest in our ideas shown by the with varying degrees of success in (PRET), from its beginnings in 1997 Cardiff residents say no to Peace Pledge Union everyday militarism Members’ Survey wants to sell off in the face of local The Peace Pledge Union aims to Cardiff resident opposition. Planning permission be an organisation where all voices The survey is available to Huw Williams tells us why people was granted in December, but the are heard and all individuals feel complete online: in south Cardiff are challenging Friends of Britannia Park fight on, valued and welcome. plans to build a Military Medicine with support of allies such as local We aspire for the PPU to be a www.ppu.org.uk/survey Museum on their local park. community group Butetown Matters warm, safe, open and courageous and the Peace Pledge Union. space (both physical and virtual) for Paper copies are also available: Britannia Park is a small oasis of There is considerable concern all members, volunteers, Council please call 020 7424 9444 if you greenery in Cardiff Bay, the erst- at the fact that the children’s park members and potential participants. would like one sent out to you. while Cardiff Docks that sit next will be dug up. Local campaigners We have developed a member- to the historic community of Tiger in Wales’ oldest multicultural com- ship survey because we want to Please complete the survey by Bay. The area underwent intensive munity are asking why their wishes hear about the issues that members FRIDAY 30 APRIL 2021. development in the 1990s. Flashes are yet again being ignored and why consider that the PPU should prior- of character remain, not least Roath attention is not been given to their itise. We want to learn how we can its membership, staff and Council Lock, the lock-keeper’s cottage and history and that of people of colour better support your engagement through unpicking structural dis- the Norwegian Church that looks out across Wales – rather than a museum with the PPU and we want to better crimination and regularly measuring on the bay. dedicated to an army that colonised understand the composition of our change to inclusive practice. The However, this one piece of open a third of the globe. membership. development of this survey is an green space, which services res- And in amongst the incredulity is a We would love to hear more about active step toward including a range idents, office workers and visitors -be deeper concern around the museum, you! of voices within the organisation. sides, is under threat by the prospect both as a symbol and tool of every- Please see details of how to com- As pacifists, we recognise at the of a five-storey building that will day militarism, which sees working- plete the survey in the box opposite. PPU that the society we live in is un- house a Military Medicine Museum, class children in these communities just and unequal. Not all people have currently in Aldershot. The museum’s targeted for recruitment in their Why are we doing this now? their needs heard and met. Struc- official aims include the promotion schools. With Cardiff’s proud pacifist tural inequality excludes many from of military recruitment. This is a park heritage and a new Peace Academy At the PPU AGM in February 2020 participating in organisations such as that Cardiff Council itself owns and in its Temple of Peace, the incon- the existing Equality and Respect PPU. These discriminatory systems, gruity, unpopularity and perplexing Policy was reviewed in small group that centre certain experiences and nature of these proposals could not discussions. In response to some of de-centre others, are often uncon- be more stark. the feedback given at the AGM we scious and unacknowledged. established a Diversity & Inclusion We hope to better understand To find out how you can support working group and developed a new the composition of our member- Cardiff residents in this campaign, strategy. ship as a result of this survey. The please visit ppu.org.uk/action. The PPU aims to actively en- data obtained will inform the PPU’s gage in the process of diversifying priorities. Militarism in numbers 1% 47%

Pay rise for nurses in England Cut in UK aid budget to Yemen for (effecitvely a pay cut given inflation), 2021, attributed by the government which ministers say is all they can of Boris Johnson to the “fiscal “afford”. situation”. 11.65% £6.8bn

Increase in UK military spending Minimum value of UK arms sales to between 2020-21 and 2021-22. Saudi Arabia in the six years since Bigger increases are planned for Saudi forces (trained by UK forces) each of the following three years. started bombing Yemen. 4th 260

The UK previously had the 8th Potential number of nuclear highest military spending in the warheads that could be owned by world. It is predicted to become the the UK government, up from 180. fourth highest following recent policy announcements. Contact the 59% Peace Pledge Union www.ppu.org.uk Percentage of the British public that want the UK to sign up to the Treaty [email protected] on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, according to a recent independent poll. 020 7424 9444