A Personal Opinion by Pat Harrington, General Secretary of the Solidarity Union
1,509 words, 8 minutes read time.
As we pause this Remembrance Sunday to reflect on the countless lives lost in wars past, we are reminded not only of the human cost of conflict but also of the ongoing consequences of war in our own time. It is fitting, on this solemn occasion, to ask ourselves whether we are truly learning from history or whether we are continuing down a path of destruction that disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable in society—namely, workers and ordinary people, both here in the UK and across the globe.
I am not a pacifist. I believe in the right of nations to self-defence if they are under attack, and I stand by the principle of armed neutrality for the UK, rejecting the notion that we should be dragged into every global conflict. However, we must be honest about the role the UK government plays in prolonging and escalating conflicts abroad. As conflict rages across the world, from Palestine to Russia, Lebanon to Israel, and Ukraine, we must reflect on the role of the UK—and, more specifically, the financial and military support we provide to regimes that are complicit in the death of innocent civilians.
As workers, we know peaceful lives, to care for their families, and to build communities. The people of Palestine, Ukraine, Israel, Russia, Lebanon, and countless other regions of conflict are the ones who suffer the most. They are not pawns in geopolitical games; they are human beings, caught in the crossfire of forces they often have no control over. My thoughts today are with all the victims of war, wherever they may be.
The UK’s Role: A Shameful Legacy of Arms Sales
One of the most egregious aspects of the UK’s involvement in global conflict is our government’s role in supplying arms to countries that use them to kill innocent people. Take, for example, the UK’s ongoing arms sales to Israel. These weapons are not used to protect civilians; they are used to kill, maim, and displace ordinary men, women, and children. The recent bombing of Gaza, where thousands of civilians have died, is a stark reminder of how these weapons are used. The UK government’s complicity in these actions, under the guise of supporting an ally, is both morally indefensible and utterly contrary to the values we should be upholding as a nation.
This is not an issue of geopolitics or national interest—it is an issue of human rights and the moral responsibility of our government. If we claim to be a nation that values peace, justice, and human dignity, then we must act in accordance with those values. We cannot continue to supply weapons to regimes that use them to commit atrocities against innocent people. It is time for the UK to change its course and stop being a purveyor of death and destruction.
Humanitarian Efforts: Support for All Victims of War
At the same time, we must ask ourselves what more we, as a nation, can do to alleviate the suffering of those caught in the crossfire. War victims are not just numbers in the news cycle—they are human beings who deserve our compassion and support. Britain should urgently consider expanding its role in providing humanitarian assistance to the victims of war, irrespective of their nationality, ethnicity, or political affiliation. This should include medical aid, food, shelter, and other forms of relief that are essential for those whose lives have been torn apart by violence.
We must ensure that humanitarian aid is provided on a non-partisan basis, recognising that the victims of war are not responsible for the violence inflicted upon them. It is time to rethink our foreign policy priorities and align them with the fundamental principles of humanity. The British government should take a lead in facilitating medical missions, offering healthcare to the wounded, and providing psychological support to those left traumatised by the horrors of war. It is a moral duty we can no longer ignore.
Rethinking Our Approach to Refugees and Economic Migrants
In addition to providing humanitarian assistance in conflict zones, we must rethink how we treat those fleeing war, violence, and persecution. Refugees and economic migrants are often lumped together, but they are two very different groups with distinct needs and challenges. It is important that we distinguish between the two in order to craft more effective and compassionate policies.
Refugees are people who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution, or violence. They are seeking safety, and their flight is often a matter of life or death. Under international law, refugees have the right to seek asylum and should be offered protection. Their immediate needs are urgent, and they must be provided with shelter, food, medical care, and legal support to help them navigate the asylum process.
On the other hand, economic migrants are individuals who leave their home countries in search of better economic opportunities or improved living conditions. While their migration is often driven by hardship, it is not the result of life-threatening circumstances. That is not to say they do not deserve compassion or assistance, but their needs and the policy approach to their situation are different from those of refugees.
It is critical that we treat each group according to their specific circumstances, with policies tailored to their needs. Refugees should be prioritised for asylum and given immediate assistance to rebuild their lives, within the constraints of provision of services to all, while economic migrants should be managed in ways that reflect their contribution to society and our economy. This distinction is important not only for practical reasons but also for maintaining public confidence in our immigration system. A compassionate and efficient approach will ensure that Britain can offer genuine protection to those who need it, while also managing migration in a way that supports our society and economy and integrates newcomers with our culture and values.
That said, economic migration should not be demonised or politicised. Many economic migrants contribute positively to the UK’s economy, taking on jobs that are hard to fill, and enriching our culture and society. We need to develop a fair and humane immigration policy that recognises the contributions of migrants while also addressing the practical needs of both migrants and the country. We must ensure that migrants are provided with fair working conditions, access to healthcare, and opportunities to integrate into British society.
The Call for a Moral, Peace-Loving Britain
The true path to peace does not lie in the endless supply of arms or the perpetuation of conflict. It lies in the rebuilding of a moral, peace-loving Britain—one that seeks to play a constructive role in the world by supporting diplomacy, peacebuilding, and human rights. If we can change Britain to a nation that values peace over war, that prioritises human life over political or economic gain, we will be in a much stronger position to encourage the same values globally.
The fight for peace is not just a local or national issue—it is a global one. But if we can create a society here at home that rejects the notion that war is an acceptable solution, we will have a far greater chance of seeing that change ripple out across the world. The UK’s commitment to a peaceful and just world would be a beacon of hope for the many millions of people suffering in war zones around the world.
Peace is the Path to Progress
As we reflect on the sacrifices made by past generations, let us remember that those sacrifices were made for a better world, a more peaceful world. We must honour that legacy by working toward a future where war is no longer seen as an inevitable fact of life, but as a failure of diplomacy and humanity.
The reality is that war is not just costly in terms of lives lost—it is costly in terms of resources that could be better used to improve lives at home and abroad. Billions of pounds are being spent on military interventions that could be used to strengthen our NHS, improve social care, build affordable housing, and create jobs. The resources that are being squandered on war are the same resources that could be used to lift millions out of poverty, to combat the housing crisis, to tackle climate change, and to build a fairer, more just society.
As trade unionists, as workers, we know what it means to fight for a better future. We fight for dignity, for respect, and for justice. We must now fight for a peace that puts people before politics, humanity before militarism, and solidarity before division.
Let us honour the memory of those who sacrificed everything by working towards a future where peace is the foundation of our society and our foreign policy. Only then can we truly say we have learned the lessons of history and that we are building a world worth living in for future generations.
Pat Harrington
General Secretary, Solidarity Union
