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Military spending ‘is diverting much-needed resources from tackling unfolding climate catastrophe,’ says CAAT report

THE government spends more than twice as much on the military as on tackling the “unfolding climate catastrophe,” according to the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT).

In a new study published today, the group says that any loss to Britain’s status as a global military power does not pose an “existential threat to the UK and the world.”

Instead the research argues that the “first duty of government” should be to mitigate disease, natural disasters and growing inequality.

The report, Fighting The Wrong Battles: How Obsession With Military Power Diverts Resources From The Climate Crisis, is written by CAAT’s Dr Sam Perlo-Freeman.

It states: “It is striking that the maximum spending estimate for achieving the UK’s climate change targets is around the same level as what the government considers to be the bare minimum requirement for military spending.”

Mr Perlo-Freeman is the group’s research co-ordinator and former head of military expenditure at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

He said: “The climate crisis is not only an environmental crisis, it is also one of human security. It is already causing catastrophic damage and loss of life worldwide.

“The recent floods have shown how ill-prepared UK infrastructure and government responses are today. As climate change worsens then so will the impact of floods and extreme weather events.

“If we are to make the changes that are needed, that means moving towards a vision of climate justice and sustainable security.

“We must focus on the real threats to human wellbeing, recognise the interdependence of security for people around the world, and ensure that our economic systems remain within the bounds set by nature.”

Shadow peace minister Fabian Hamilton will host a lobby in parliament today from 11.30am where CAAT will present the report.

 

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