War, Peace and Internationalism

2pm – 4.30pm Saturday 13 September 2014

Refreshments available from 1.30pm

The Brighthelm Centre, North Road, Brighton BN1 1YD

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Join peace campaigner Jeremy Corbyn MP, activist, RAF veteran, survivor of the Great Depression, author of Harry’s Last Stand and top tweeter Harry Leslie Smith, former Head of Human Rights at the Commonwealth Secretariat and now Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion Purna Sen and Labour CND vice-Chair Joy Hurcombe to discuss the urgent need for the UK to adopt a progressive foreign policy.

As conflicts escalate all over the Middle East, the Coalition’s dire new terror alerts suggest that the UK will mark the centenary of World War One by further limiting the rights and freedoms that those before us fought and died for.  Meanwhile, World War Two is an ever-present in our cultural life and we continue to feel the reach of the cold war in the Ukraine and elsewhere.  Despite protests all over Britain and worldwide, why the different responses to the humanitarian crises of the Palestinians in Gaza and the Yazidis in Iraq?

Death and destruction are the only certainties of war.  As millions in Britain and overseas exist on or below the breadline due to austerity policies, why do politicians continue to waste billions on war and weapons, such as Trident?  We ask why Britain has not signed-up to the Hiroshima Peace Declaration and why our nation’s wealth is not put to better use by investing in jobs, homes, the NHS, and the environment.

On 31 July 1914, Labour leaders Keir Hardie and Arthur Henderson issued their Appeal to the British Working Class.  The parties to conflict may change but the principles remain as true today as they did then:

Keir Hardie speaking in Trafalgar Square, 1914

 “…act promptly and vigorously in the interests of peace.  You have never been consulted about this war.  Whatever may be the rights and wrongs of the sudden crushing attack made by the militarist empire of Austria upon Serbia, it is certain that the workers of all countries likely to be drawn into the conflict must strain every nerve to prevent their governments from committing them to war.  Everywhere Socialists and the organised forces of Labour are taking this course. Everywhere vehement protests are made against the greed and intrigues of militarists and armament mongers… Hold vast demonstrations against war, in London and in every industrial centre.  Compel those of the governing class and their Press, who are eager to commit you to co-operate with Russian despotism, to keep silence and respect the decision of the overwhelming majority of the people, who will have neither part nor lot in such infamy… Workers!- stand together , therefore, for peace.”