News & Blogs

As we send seasonal greetings, the NHS is facing acute winter pressure — with resident doctors in England set to strike 17–22 December. This moment underlines why Conscience is needed more than ever: public money should protect life and build peace, not be diverted towards war and preparation for war.

At this year’s National Alternative Remembrance Ceremony, Academy Award–winning actor and long-standing Conscience supporter Sir Mark Rylance delivered a powerful public letter calling for the UK to uphold the right of conscientious objection in the face of escalating global conflict. Reflecting on the rising toll of civilian casualties — especially children — he questions why taxpayers are compelled to fund war through the military portion of their taxes

Two decades after 7/7, Gill Hicks’ message still resonates: we can’t use military force against an ideology. In this personal reflection, our Education Officer shares how one woman’s courage and compassion continue to inspire peacebuilding today.

The UK likes to see itself as a force for peace and stability. Yet when we look at where our money goes, a very different picture emerges. Each year, Britain spends over £50 billion on defence, while just a tiny fraction of that is directed towards peacebuilding.