One of the few ways the Government and the arms companies can rally public support for the arms trade is to claim that it keeps people in work and helps the UK economy.
But the actual figures are striking:
- the number of people employed in producing arms for export is far fewer than popularly supposed: 0.2% of the UK workforce
- arms exports comprise less than 1.5% of total exports
- arms export jobs are subsidised by at least £9,000 per job per year.
The arms trade is supported by public funds and the Government can choose to use these resources more productively. There are a range of alternatives, but one obvious candidate stands out: renewable energy technologies. Investment here would have a security benefit that is in stark contrast to instability and conflict promoted by the arms trade and could establish a UK presence in a vibrant, growing sector.
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