Thousands march in London holding ‘Welfare Not Warfare’ banners
(MENAFN) Thousands gathered in central London on Saturday to protest the UK government’s increasing military expenditures at the cost of public welfare. Organized by the People’s Assembly, the march began at Portland Place and proceeded to Whitehall, with demonstrators chanting slogans like “Tax the Rich,” “Nurses Not Nukes,” and “Welfare Not Warfare.”
Trade unionists, activists, and campaigners united under the banner “No to Austerity 2.0,” urging the Labour government to halt cuts to social services while raising defense budgets. A spokesperson for the People’s Assembly criticized recent government policies, highlighting cuts to winter fuel payments, disability support, and foreign aid, while defense spending grows, calling these political decisions rather than necessary sacrifices.
Protesters denounced Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s aggressive rhetoric, accusing him of using “war-ready” language to deflect criticism and brand opponents of his austerity and militarization policies as unpatriotic. Campaign materials described Starmer’s approach as a cynical attempt to silence dissent.
Martin Cavanagh, President of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), told the crowd that the government prioritized arms sales over caring for the nation’s poor. Angela Grant, President of the Department for Work and Pensions group, added that people are suffering from hunger amid rising military budgets and ongoing NHS underfunding.
Earlier in the week, Starmer unveiled a Strategic Defense Review, pledging to increase military spending to 3% of GDP. The plan involves expanding production of warplanes, missiles, and nuclear submarines. Defense Secretary John Healey said the funding sends a strong message to Moscow, with billions allocated for new munitions factories and enhanced strike capabilities.
Additionally, the UK government announced a commitment to supply 100,000 drones to Ukraine by April 2026, with £350 million from a broader £4.5 billion aid package dedicated to new drone deliveries.
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