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ForcesWatch

@forceswatch.bsky.social
381 followers 215 following 393 posts

👁️‍🗨️A sharp eye on military power in the UK. linktr.ee/forceswatch

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Good Law Project @goodlawproject.org · 7h
It's People Vs Palantir day of action! Can't make your local protest? Use our tool to say NO to Palantir ❌ 👇 goodlaw.social/668d1d
goodlaw.social
Say no to Palantir in the NHS
NHS England is rolling out software to run our health records from Palantir - fight back
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
🔫🌎 @rethinkingsecurity.bsky.social’s upcoming webinar series brings together people and organisations across the peace movement to explore how the UK’s approach to national security is changing and what the implications are for peace and the planet. rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/webinar-seri...
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Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament @cnduk.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Mushroom cloud rises over Liverpool as protesters call on Burnham to stop driving nuclear risks and focus on the real security threats we face, from climate chaos and the cost-of-living crisis. #LabourPartyConference Read more: cnduk.org/press-releas...
CND activists in hazmat suits with no nuclear war placards stage a die-in in front of a 20-foot inflatable mushroom cloud.
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Earth’s Greatest Enemy, a new documentary by American journalist and activist Abby Martin, examines the US military’s role in empire-building, its global environmental footprint, and its impact on communities around the world.
earthsgreatestenemy.com
Earth's Greatest Enemy
A documentary exposé of the world's biggest (and most unaccountable) polluter: the US military. Learn the environmental cost of history's biggest empire with Abby Martin.
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
War and militarism are driving climate breakdown while consuming resources we urgently need to tackle the climate and ecological crises. This week is the Global Week of Action for Peace and Climate Justice. Find events, actions and resources at climatemilitarism.org @intpeacebureau.bsky.social
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The International Peace Bureau (IPB) @intpeacebureau.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Militaries consume vast amounts of fossil fuels, fuelling greenhouse gas emissions, climate breakdown, and conflict. There can be no climate justice without demilitarisation. Divest from war - Invest in the just transition!
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The AI arms race is here. AI is fundamentally changing the nature of warfare. Our article explores how the development and use of military technology is challenging ethical, societal and legal conventions, from automated targeting to the future risks of fully autonomous weapons.
forceswatch.net
ForcesWatch » The AI arms race: the new face of war
We look at how the development and use of AI by the military is set to change and break fundamental ethical, societal and legal conventions.
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Quakers in Britain Peace Team @peace-campaigns.quaker.org.uk · 10/09/2026
‘These are children, General’ @forceswatch.bsky.social explore the growing concerns about the Army's 'college' for under-18s and the continued failure to address them. www.forceswatch.net/comment/thes...
forceswatch.net
ForcesWatch » 'These are children, General'
We explore the growing concerns about the Army's 'college' for under-18s and the continued failure to address them.
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
“We are horrified but hardly surprised to learn that management at Exeter are more interested in flogging military training to despotic regimes than in defending world-class humanities and social sciences teaching.” 👇(1/4)
theguardian.com
Exeter University approves deal with Saudi Arabia to train military officers and officials
In move that could generate millions, Exeter academics to deliver MA at National Defense University in Riyadh
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
The trade ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements marks a significant shift in UK foreign policy. The @greenparty.org.uk has called for further action, including “a full two-way arms embargo, wide-ranging sanctions and an end to military and intelligence cooperation with Israel”.
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The Green Party of England & Wales @greenparty.org.uk · 09/09/2026
The government’s action on illegal Israeli settlements is long overdue, but action must go much further. The UK must stop supplying arms to Israel, including F-35 components, and end its complicity in the genocide.
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Quakers in Britain Peace Team @peace-campaigns.quaker.org.uk · 03/09/2026
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). www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve... from @quaker.org.uk
quaker.org.uk
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).
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caatuk.bsky.social @caatuk.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
📣 OUT NOW: CAAT NEWS In the Summer 2026 edition, we cover: 🔴 Palestine Action 🔴 US illegal war on Iran 🔴 Arms exports to Israel 🔴 Labour & Andy Burnham 📰 Get your FREE copy: caat.org.uk/publications...
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
In July, the MoD announced that plans to expand cadet forces by 30% have been delayed until after 2030. The UK government has committed £70 million to the expansion, with research commissioned by the MoD and cadet organisations used to make the case for the social and economic value of cadets. 🧵⬇️
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Read our latest research article, exploring serious concerns about the Army’s military college for under-18s and the continued failure to address them. 🔗 www.forceswatch.net/comment/thes...
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Today marks one year since John Swinney announced a pause on new Scottish Government grants to arms companies supplying Israel’s military. Since then, the arms industry has met with MSPs, ministers and the First Minister at least 18 times, lobbying to challenge or reverse the policy. (1/2)
thenational.scot
Protestors urge Scottish Government to fully implement Israel boycott
PRO-PALESTINE campaigners have urged the Scottish Government to fully implement the Israel boycott.
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
What happens when an arms fair is also a careers event for children? At this year’s Farnborough International Airshow, young people were invited to take part in STEM activities and explore careers in aerospace, while arms companies were making major military deals just next door. Read more ⬇️
forceswatch.net
ForcesWatch » A school trip to an arms fair
Children and young people invited to Farnborough International Airshow were offered sanitised career activities while hundreds of millions in arms deals were agreed next door.
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
“Machines that kill without distinction, answerable to no one, leave no one safe.” In a letter to the Guardian, military surgeon Dr Darren Mann asks what happens when machines are given the power to make life and death decisions. (1/2)
theguardian.com
Autonomous drones and the future of war in an AI-driven world | Letter
Letter: Machines that kill without distinction, answerable to no one, leave no one safe, writes military surgeon Dr Darren Mann
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
“No matter how much you spoke up about it, no one seemed to care.” ITV has brought further attention to the experiences of women facing sexual abuse and harassment in the British military. (1/5) www.itv.com/news/westcou...
itv.com
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caatuk.bsky.social @caatuk.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
BREAKING: The jury has refused to convict any of the present defendants in the second trial of the Filton 25. After more than 38 hours, the jury in the second trial of the Filton 25 has refused them.
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
“Without an end to the war, there will be no end to this cost of living crisis.” Ten trade unions, including the UK’s largest union, @unison.org.uk, have called on Andy Burnham to oppose the war on Iran and revoke permission for US airstrikes from British territories. (1/2)
theguardian.com
Burnham urged to tackle cost of living crisis by pressuring Trump to end Iran war
Trade unions say UK prime minister must begin by revoking permission for US to use RAF bases for airstrikes in Gulf
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
We're so close to 2000 signatures! Joining the armed forces is a political and moral choice that should never be forced on anyone. As a matter of urgency, the government must rule out reintroducing military conscription in the UK! Please show your support by signing and sharing the link 👇
you.38degrees.org.uk
Tell the government to rule out military conscription
The debate around bringing back military conscription in the UK is rising. Forcing young people into the armed forces deprives them of choices and would be a colossal waste of funds during a cost of l...
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
As plans emerge for a second “War School” for under-18s, a vital question remains: are young recruits being properly protected? ForcesWatch examines ongoing concerns at Army Foundation College Harrogate, including safeguarding failures, bullying, violence and reports of sexual misconduct.
forceswatch.net
ForcesWatch » 'These are children, General'
We explore the growing concerns about the Army's 'college' for under-18s and the continued failure to address them.
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Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament @cnduk.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
A moving ceremony in Tavistock Square earlier for the annual @londonregioncnd@bsky.social #HiroshimaDay commemoration. More events to mark the atomic bombings of Japan will take place across the country over the next few days where we will say #NeverAgain. Find one near you: vist.ly/5dthd
Deputy mayor of Camden Cllr. Sylvia McNamara   lays wreath at cherry blossom tree in Tavistock SquareLeader of Lambeth Council Cllr Martin Abrams speaking Labour NEC member Jess Barnard holds a CND 'No More Hiroshimas' placardLondon Region CND Chair and CND Vice-Chair Carol Turner speaking
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Concerns have emerged following reports of US service personnel accused of serious crimes, including sexual assault, have avoided the British justice system after cases were transferred to US military authorities. As @cnduk.bsky.social asks, shouldn’t we become independent from America? 🧵👇
cnduk.org
US military personnel attacks on women show why bases must close now - CND
The Guardian is investigating crimes committed by US personnel on British soil. In recent weeks they have reported on the cases of Jacob Wulfson, a US fighter pilot who strangled a British woman in hi...
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New Internationalist @newint.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Forget space exploration, global powers and private interests are racing to militarize space. William J. Astore, retired professor of history and former Lieutenant Colonel in the US Air Force, explores how space is becoming the next battlefield. Read now. 👇
newint.org
The militarization of space threatens us all
As space becomes an increasingly vital arena for war, William J Astore tracks its increased militarization.
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Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) @aoav.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Beyond the battlefield: should we be rethinking National Security in an age of drought? aoav.org.uk/2026/beyond-...
aoav.org.uk
Beyond the battlefield: should we be rethinking National Security in an age of drought? - AOAV
As drought exposes the fragility of Britain’s water and food systems, the government’s defence-spending surge raises a larger question: whether national security is still being defined too narrowly fo...
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Why is the line between children’s entertainment, STEM education and the arms trade becoming increasingly blurred? Defence companies are engaging more with children and young people through arms fairs such as the Farnborough International Airshow.
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
In this urgent new piece for @rethinkingsecurity.bsky.social, Diana Francis and Andrew Rigby, two of the network’s founders, argue that militarised security is trapping us in a cycle of violence, destruction and ecological crisis.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk
The Absolute Insanity of Militarised Security
As the climate collapses and wars sweep the Middle East, Ukraine and beyond, Diana Francis and Andrew Rigby, two of the founders of Rethinking Security a decade ago, make the urgent case for far mo…
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
In one of his first acts as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham decided to continue allowing UK bases to be used in support of US military operations against Iran. In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has stated that RAF Fairford may be considered a legitimate military target.
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Declassified UK @declassifieduk.org · 30/07/2026
👉NEW -- Chancellor wants military officer with him at Treasury by Phil Miller John Healey’s request has sparked fears about the military having too much influence over UK finances www.declassifieduk.org/chancellor_w...
declassifieduk.org
Chancellor wants military officer with him at Treasury
John Healey’s request has sparked fears about the military having too much influence over UK finances
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Defend Our Juries @defendourjuries.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Palestine Action activists face being sentenced as terrorists over bank damage Judge Philip Parry told the prosecution and the defence he would consider a “terrorist connection” despite neither the jury nor the defendants having previously been informed www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Palestine Action activists face being sentenced as terrorists over bank damage
Exclusive: Judge intends to consider ‘terrorist connection’ after convicting five for damage to Barclays in Burnley
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
New resource from @rethinkingsecurity.bsky.social, Security: Challenging Assumptions in a Changing World ForcesWatch is pleased to have contributed to this project, which challenges dominant militarised approaches to security and explores people- and planet-centred alternatives. Take a look👇
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk
New Resource: Talking Points on Security Claims and Responses
In 2025 the UK government produced its National Security Strategy, titled “Security for the British People in a Dangerous World”, setting the UK on a path to increased militarisation and seeking to…
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Behind the “family fun” of Farnborough International Airshow is one of the world’s biggest arms fairs. Today’s public day features STEM activities, military flight simulators and careers events aimed at young people.
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caatuk.bsky.social @caatuk.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
🚨NOW: We’re outside of Farnborough Horrorshow where 1,000 weapons companies are exhibiting their weapons of genocide and war. More than 100,000 visitors, including thousands of arms dealers, are expected in in the next 4 days.
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Quakers in Britain Peace Team @peace-campaigns.quaker.org.uk · 09/07/2026
Watch the ForcesWatch clip on the all too real threat of a return to military conscription in the UK: www.instagram.com/reel/DZ97Bao... And do sign the petition we've launched with 12 other peace and faith groups to say no to military conscription: you.38degrees.org.uk/p/no-militar...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Tell the government to rule out military conscription
The debate around bringing back military conscription in the UK is rising. Forcing young people into the armed forces deprives them of choices and would be a colossal waste of funds during a cost of l...
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Reposted by ForcesWatch
Quakers in Britain @quaker.org.uk · 06/07/2026
It’s natural that thoughts and feelings about war will surface in the classroom. But how can teachers respond? Peace education from Quakers in Britain shares some ideas and resources blogs.ucl.ac.uk/peaceeducation/2026…
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Rethinking Security @rethinkingsecurity.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
New Open Online Discussion, 09 July: Precede by the Defence Investment Plan (👀), the NATO summit on 07-08 July may well be a crucial moment for UK and European security policy. Join RS + NATO Watch Director Ian Davis to discuss its implications. Register: rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/home/events/...
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Quakers in Britain @quaker.org.uk · 01/07/2026
Peace campaigners were banned from the national Armed Forces Day event at the last minute this year while the celebration of tanks, helicopters and weapons built to kill went ahead. www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-events/n…
quaker.org.uk
Peace campaigners silenced as plug pulled on Armed Forces Day stall
Peace campaigners were banned from the national Armed Forces Day event at the last minute this year while the celebration of tanks, helicopters and weapons built to kill went ahead.
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Quakers in Britain Peace Team @peace-campaigns.quaker.org.uk · 02/07/2026
Great to have worked on this letter with @rethinkingsecurity.bsky.social We were joined by a wide range of signatories inc @christianaiduk.bsky.social @cclimateaction.bsky.social @aoav.bsky.social @ceobs.org @forceswatch.bsky.social @responsiblesci.bsky.social @caatuk.bsky.social @cnduk.bsky.social
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Let's build a peaceful future! Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped create a space for peace alongside the Armed Forces Day Community Day in Aldershot last Sunday. @caatuk.bsky.social @peace-campaigns.quaker.org.uk @quaker.org.uk 👇Continues
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Today the government has published the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan Starmer says UK defence spending will reach £80 billion a year by 2029, adding that the 3.5% he promised to Donald Trump by 2035 is still on target. Read more over on our Instagram: www.instagram.com/p/DaN-mwSCPP...
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caatuk.bsky.social @caatuk.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
You might have seen this advert on buses in London... It's for Farnborough Airshow, a grotesque exhibition of weapons of war and genocide. This year, over 1,000 arms companies will exhibit including Elbit, BAE, and more genocide profiteers.
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Peace organisations and local community members came together today for a Peace Vigil outside the national Armed Forces Day event in Farnborough being held this weekend. Learn more about our work challenging the militarisation of Armed Forces Day: www.forceswatch.net/activity/armed-forces-day
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Is anti-militarism unpatriotic? This weekend, hundreds of Armed Forces Day events have taken place in towns and cities across the UK. We’re resharing this video, made by former ForcesWatch colleague and ex-soldier Joe Glenton, which takes a deeper look at the incentives behind these events.
youtube.com
Armed Forces Day 2024: Is Anti-Militarism Unpatriotic?
YouTube video by Emma Sangster
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
This weekend, there will be many parades and community ‘fun days’ across Britain for Armed Forces Day. The occasion is also often marked in schools, while the government and parts of the media use it to promote increasingly militaristic messaging. Read our joint press release 👇
forceswatch.net
ForcesWatch » Peace campaigners challenge wasteful Armed Forces Day spending as Rushmoor Borough Council and arms companies pour hundreds of thousands into national event
Press Release by a coalition of peace and anti-war organisations - Peace Pledge Union, ForcesWatch, Campaign Against Arms Trade and Quakers in Britain; supported by Veterans for Peace Britain
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Our Armed Forces Day postcards will be given out this weekend! We've sent these postcards to community groups and individuals across the country who are concerned about the everyday militarism that accompanies Armed Forces Day each year. Continues👇
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caatuk.bsky.social @caatuk.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
🚨1,500+ weapons companies are coming to Farnborough International next month for a horrific airshow and arms fair. This arms fair brings together weapons companies, arms dealers, and government officials to make deals for war and genocide.
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
A coalition of 13 peace organisations, including ForcesWatch, are calling on the Government to rule out any future introduction of conscription, mandatory national service, or compulsory registration in the UK. Sign the petition👉 you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/no...
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Your reminder that protest works! Last year in York, local residents successfully challenged plans for Armed Forces Day that would have included military vehicles and replica weapons presented as “family friendly” entertainment. Read more👇
ppu.org.uk
Protest works: How local residents persuaded York Council to rethink Armed Forces Day
Campaigning for peace can often feel like an uphill struggle. But every so often a campaign cuts through and reminds us what sustained local action can achieve. In York last year, there was one such m...
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