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Don’t be a stepping stone for war

In the face of escalating war, Hannah Brock Womack shares how to keep pushing back against the idea that armed conflict is inevitable.

We can prayerfully uphold all who are involved in this conflict, especially anyone who has been harmed, displaced or lives in fear. Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@nouriehferdosian?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Nourieh Ferdosian</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/hazy-cityscape-with-tall-buildings-and-a-distant-tower-vN2TM-qNOo0?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a> — We can prayerfully uphold all who are involved in this conflict, especially anyone who has been harmed, displaced or lives in fear. Photo by Nourieh Ferdosian on Unsplash

Quakers continue to urge the UK government not to facilitate war and bloodshed.

The British government has already allowed UK bases to be used by the United States military. This war – as well as being a tragedy – is also a crime (violating the UN charter) and risks setting off further conflicts in the Middle East and further afield.

Our government's participation in it must end.

Bombing for peace?

It's hard to believe that we are here again. 23 years after the invasion of Iraq, a confused mix of excuses for warfare include the stated desire for regime change and the eradication of alleged weapons of mass destruction.

This is the eighth Western 'war-of-choice' in the Middle East in the last 25 years. It is folly to repeat the same mistakes and expect to achieve different results. As the UN Secretary-General António Guterres says, "There is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes."

A war like this cannot bring peace. Instead, it will have lasting implications for both humankind and the planet.

The people of Iran have been living for decades under an oppressive regime. They have been subjected to displacement, imprisonment or death at the hands of their own government. The authorities suppressed the Woman, Life, Freedom movement and the violent crackdown on recent nationwide protests has led to between 7000 and 30,000 deaths.

Iranians now face a further threat from drones and missiles fired by the US and Israel. And while our government helps facilitate this violence and terror, we ourselves have the opportunity of showing solidarity with those suffering it.

Things could be different

This war was not inevitable. It was a calculated choice by people with power who believe that might is right. Our experience of God teaches us that this is wrong.

UK support for this war is not inevitable. Other governments, including Spain, Norway and Türkiye, have publicly pushed back.

Lots of people worldwide and in this country oppose this war. Half of Britons oppose US use of UK bases to launch attacks in Iran, with only 13% strongly in support.

Many people also realise that, as well as being horrifying, this war is another green light to aggressors – such as President Putin – who see international law being ignored and are emboldened.

What we can do

Though it can feel like we are trying to turn back the tide, solidarity with people suffering in war is never wasted. Public opinion matters to this government. And whilst standing up against this war may not stop it, staying silent definitely will not.

We are joining with the Fellowship of Reconciliation in asking everyone to write to their MPs urging them to oppose deeper UK involvement in this war (info below). Friends in the US are appealing to members of Congress to do likewise.

There have already been demonstrations and vigils around the UK, including at some of the sites that are facilitating the war. If you'd like to organise a peace vigil locally, in solidarity with all those harmed, you can find guides on how to organise an action or vigil here. We can also supply leaflets and postcards about peace – do get in touch.

Make sure you're signed up to the Faith in Action newsletter for future actions and follow the Peace team on Bluesky for up-to-date news and resources.

Finally, we can prayerfully uphold all who are involved in this conflict, especially anyone who has been harmed, displaced or lives in fear. We can also hold in the Light those who have power to stop the killing, that they may see the evil of their actions and change course.

Write to your MP

Please find your MP here. You can write as an individual or as part of your Quaker meeting. Feel free to use and/or build on any of the points below in your letter:
Highlight your own commitment to peace and human rights for all, mentioning your faith and how it shapes your values. If there's a UK military base in your constituency or nearby, say so.
Stress that regime change is a complex process that cannot be achieved by dropping bombs, as Keir Starmer has agreed.
Remind your MP that the government has a responsibility to uphold international law, including the UN charter. This war violates that charter.
Emphasise that as well as the direct human cost, environmental damage will be significant, further accelerating climate breakdown.
Note that the Prime Minister has stated that UK bases are only being used in 'defensive' actions. In a war of aggression, this is an impossible distinction to make.
Urge the UK government to call for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities.
Urge the UK government to stop the use of UK bases, airspace or territory, either by the US or by any other military as part of this war.
Ask the MP to share your concerns with the Foreign Office.