Building a Safer world: Co-operation, not Conflict
Tony Blair has allowed Britain to launch an illegal war on Iraq to serve the foreign policy of an extreme right-wing American president. He has not only exacerbated global tensions, but has encouraged the climate of fear in which terrorism can thrive.
We must respond intelligently to the threat of terrorism, by stopping funds and arresting suspects where there is specific evidence of criminal activity. Much more important, however, is to address the long-term underlying causes, such as inequality, injustice and poverty.
At the same time, we need to be honest and realistic about the nature of the threats facing us. Labour continues to spread fear and uncertainty in order to engineer unprecedented moves in both domestic and foreign policy.
Britain could contribute much more constructively to a peaceful world. We must get rid of our own weapons of mass destruction, which encourage other countries to possess them, and greatly reduce our arms trade.
As one of the world’s richest nations, we must co-operate with others in addressing poverty all over the world.
Green MPs will work to:
- withdraw troops from Iraq and hand over to UN-led forces;
- decommission all the UK’s nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction;
- prevent nuclear proliferation and end support for the USA’s missile defence plans;
- cancel all outstanding debts of developing countries, and immediately meet our UN obligation to commit 0·7% of GDP to funding development;
- promote international efforts to combat AIDS, TB and malaria, and to provide free health and education services to all;
- restructure the military for conflict resolution and for peace enforcement;
- introduce education for peace and human rights into all schools in order to teach the skills of conflict resolution, mediation and nonviolent social change;
- oppose any moves to increase European military spending, as proposed in the current EU Constitution;
- support a “yes” vote on the EU Constitution, but also argue for significant amendments, in order to extend democratic accountability and sustainable development in Europe;
- reform the UN Security Council by ending permanent membership and single country veto, and introducing fair representation;
- give the UN more effective authority for early mediation and intervention in disputes.