Develop diplomatic services and advocate de-escalation instead of spending £16.5 billion on arming our forces - YEP letters

Last week Boris Johnson announced that there will be a “once in a generation modernisation” of the armed forces. £16.5 billion is a lot of money and it could really be used for credible defence of the realm.

Spending on developing our diplomatic services, cultural services, supporting international bodies like the World Health Organisation and ensuring that every person working in the diplomatic and armed services receives first class training in conflict de-escalation and reconciliation would make a real difference to the likelihood of conflict.

It would also be a lot cheaper leaving money available for all the other badly needed services.

We need to move away from military weapons and use the tools that make a worthwhile and sustainable difference.