On 15 May, campaigners, peace organisations and supporters gathered in Tavistock Square, London, to mark International Conscientious Objectors’ Day.

George Robertson’s recent intervention reflects a dangerous idea gaining ground in British politics: that if the government wants to spend more on the military, it should look to welfare to make room for it. Conscience rejects this false choice. Real security is not built through war preparation alone, but through housing, healthcare, stable communities, diplomacy and peacebuilding. Britain needs priorities that protect people and fund peace, not war.