Private gain, public pain
The case for ending the Government's arms selling
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Private gain, public pain details the destructive and indiscriminate activities of the Government's arms sales unit (UKTI DSO) and assesses the justifications for its grotesque remit. It considers arms export promotion as part of the wider military and military industry mindset.
While justifications relating to national security and jobs dominate the debate, the reality is that both aspects would benefit from a radical change in arms export and military policy. A more objective approach to security would mean serious, imminent threats such as climate change could be allocated the resources they need. The meaningful funding of renewable energy technologies would provide benefits beyond national security because of the sector's vast earning and employment potential.
Presently, the interests of international arms companies are being put before those of the UK public, let alone the human rights of people on the receiving end of UK weaponry. Ending arms export promotion would be a first, obvious, step in the right direction.
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