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@forceswatch.bsky.social
387 followers 215 following 397 posts

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

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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Also on the UK’s adherence to international law, Channel 4’s Dispatches documentary used ’access to unpublished internal Whitehall documents [and] reveals how the UK government responded to alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza’. Watch ‘Britain’s Gaza Secrets Exposed’ at the link below.
channel4.com
Britain’s Gaza Secrets Exposed: Dispatches
Dispatches reveals how the UK government responded to alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
The report “exposes how the UK arms exports system is fundamentally broken and rigged in favour of pre-determined conclusions” and focuses on two cases: the Saudi-led bombing of Yemen from 2015-2022, and Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
“The UK shares responsibility for the undermining of IHL and of any semblance of a rules-based international system.” @caatuk.bsky.social continues to challenge the UK’s role in the global arms trade. Its latest report, ‘Dead Letter' is a powerful reminder of why this work matters. 👇
caat.org.uk
CAAT - Dead Letter: How the UK government’s arms export policies have eviscerated international humanitarian law
Campaign Against Arms Trade’s new report exposes how the UK arms exports system is fundamentally broken and rigged in favour of pre-determined conclusions. The report focuses on two cases - the Saudi-...
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Three takeaways from the Labour Conference on Britain’s defence, security and foreign policy.
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Good Law Project @goodlawproject.org · 01/10/2026
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
We attended a packed London screening last weekend. It’s an eye opening and very powerful and moving reminder of the environmental costs of militarism, and why they deserve far greater public scrutiny. See the trailer and find out where you can watch the film👉 earthsgreatestenemy.com
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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
@pulltheplug-ai.bsky.social @pauseai.bsky.social @stopkillerrobots.bsky.social
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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
The University also highlights that the income from the partnership will help protect jobs at Exeter during a period of redundancies. But this raises wider questions about what universities are willing to legitimise in the pursuit of financial gain. (4/4)
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
The university argues that the programme will educate rather than train military personnel, focusing on strategy and decision-making. It would be interesting to know whether the programme will advocate for better civilian protection, human rights, international law and accountability. (3/4)
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
The University of Exeter’s partnership with Saudi Arabia’s National Defense University to deliver an MA in applied security and strategy to senior military officers and government officials is controversial to say the least. (2/4)
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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
With expansion now delayed, it is a good time to look critically at the evidence and politics behind the push to put more cadet units in schools. Read ‘Do we want militarised schools? Cadet forces, ‘independent’ evaluations and defence agendas in education’ at tinyurl.com/4hrrf87a (4/4)
tinyurl.com
ForcesWatch » Do we want militarised schools? Cadet forces, 'independent' evaluations and defence agendas in education
The politics of cadet force expansion and what is wrong with militarising education.
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
It is especially concerning when military-linked programmes like cadets are presented as filling gaps in mental health, community and youth services, while ultimately are primarily serving a defence and recruitment agenda. (3/4)
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Our investigation found serious concerns about the independence and methodology of these evaluations, and how this research has been used to support expansion, particularly into disadvantaged communities. Young people deserve a real variety of youth spaces. (2/4)
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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
A serious reminder of the power and influence of the arms industry, and how lobbying undermines political decisions designed to stop public money supporting companies linked to war crimes and genocide. (2/2)
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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
Want to learn more about the AI arms race? Read ForcesWatch’s deep dive into how the development and use of AI by the military could reshape warfare and challenge fundamental ethical, legal and societal conventions. (2/2)
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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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
What does this toxic culture mean for young people entering the armed forces, some as young as 16? We took a deeper look at the experiences of young recruits at the UK’s Army Foundation College in Harrogate, and the toxic culture they enter, in our publication “These are children, General”. (5/5)
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 · 25/08/2026
These cases have often been associated with the Army and lower ranks. But the experiences reported by Salute Her and ITV point to a wider problem, affecting women across the Army, RAF and Royal Navy, and across different ranks. (4/5)
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
@saluteher.bsky.social, which supports serving women and veterans, says demand for its services is growing, with around one woman contacting the charity every day. It also reports that the sexual assaults women are coming forward about are becoming increasingly violent. (3/5)
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
The latest MOD survey found that 67% of women serving in the armed forces experienced sexualised behaviour within a year, while one in ten reported non consensual sexual activity. (2/5)
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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
“Since the war started, the average British household has seen its annual energy bill rise by £221, while monthly food bills are forecast to rise by £32.80.” Read more: tinyurl.com/2s486cpm (2/2)
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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
@warresistersint.bsky.social @quaker.org.uk @peaceandjustice.bsky.social @caatuk.bsky.social @cnduk.bsky.social @peacemuseumuk.bsky.social @veteransforpeace.bsky.social @lakenheathalliance.bsky.social @quakerpeacehub.bsky.social @peace-campaigns.quaker.org.uk
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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
There are more than 12,000 US personnel stationed at 15 bases across the UK. As the Guardian reported in April, is it unclear how much control the UK government has over US bases. These assault cases and the use of US bases in the UK to bomb Iran has put that in the spotlight. (4/4)
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
The government and police chiefs are now reviewing why cases involving US military personnel have been transferred to US military investigators. Concerns include accountability and whether victims receive the same access to justice within a more lenient US military justice system. (3/4)
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ForcesWatch @forceswatch.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
“The British public expect crimes committed in England to be prosecuted in the English courts under English law. That expectation should not change simply because the accused is a member of the foreign military,” said Jess Brown-Fuller, the Liberal Democrats’ justice spokesperson. (2/4)
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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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