Britain welcomes a new prime minister, and Andy Burnham brings promising ideas like empowering local councils and mayors. I propose an additional idea to further this progress.
BUY NOW: Peace is Possible: Selected Works
The British Government should take a leading role in global peace efforts by creating a ‘minister of peace.’ Ideally, this initiative would inspire other nations to follow suit, positioning Britain as a pioneer in fostering global harmony.
I believe the British public values peace over military dominance. Establishing a ministry dedicated to peace would reflect the government’s commitment to this ideal.
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Citizens
True defence lies in peace. Therefore, I propose splitting the defence budget evenly: 50% for traditional forces like the army, air force, and navy, and 50% for a peace ministry aimed at preventing future conflicts.
This approach would contribute to a world that is secure, thriving, and peaceful for all, eliminating the threat of bombings in cities like Tehran, Kyiv, Moscow, Gaza, Beirut, and Tel Aviv.
Of the 194 countries globally, nearly all maintain defence ministries, yet none have a peace ministry. Why do we invest heavily in armaments and neglect peace promotion?
It’s no surprise that wars are rampant. While governments train millions for warfare, no country offers peace training. War becomes likely because all nations gear up for it, preparing their citizens accordingly.
Conflicts involving Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, and the USA and Iran have resulted in massive casualties.
Resistance
Wars cause the deaths of pregnant women and children and devastate schools, hospitals, and homes. They also harm the environment, contributing to global warming.
These wars achieve nothing and should belong to history. The future should focus on peace.
To make peace achievable, we must prepare for it, work towards it, and train for peaceful resistance, forming ‘peace armies.’
Creating a peace ministry in Britain and worldwide would be a significant stride towards global peace. Britain should lead this initiative.
Through peace preparation, training, and establishing a peace ministry, the British government can demonstrate its serious dedication to peace.
Nuclear
This initiative would significantly enhance global safety, ensuring a more secure, prosperous, and peaceful world for everyone. Governments collectively spend nearly $3,000 billion annually on military forces, a substantial investment in war readiness.
But what about peace funding? Unfortunately, the budget for peace is virtually nonexistent. While ample funds exist for warfare, peace funding is scarce.
Britain ranks as the sixth-largest military power, with its defence budget trailing only the USA, China, Russia, India, and Germany. Despite being a nuclear power, the British government seeks to increase its defence spending.
Urgently
No matter the defence budget, it will never suffice. An increase in our military budget prompts Russia and China to do the same.
We cannot win such a futile arms race. Instead of escalating defence spending, we should establish a peace budget and a ministry for peace.
By creating a peace ministry, the British public can take pride in a government that not only ensures safety but also leads in building a truly peaceful world.
I have written to Andy Burnham. Readers of The Ecologist in Britain who concur should contact the prime minister and their MPs, urging them to collaborate on establishing a peace ministry promptly.
This Author
Satish Kumar is the author of Peace is Possible: Selected Works, now available.
