💷PENNIES FOR PEOPLE, BILLIONS FOR BOMBS

Justice & Peace Scotland are appalled by yesterday's Spring Statement. The planned welfare cuts will push a further 50,000 children into poverty in the UK, by the Government's own calculations, and a reduction in spending for those unable to work will impact thousands of sick and disabled people in Scotland.

Instead of pitting working people against those who are unable to do so, governments should invest in solutions that create more jobs while simultaneously supporting instead of threatening people into employment.

The extra £2.2bn allocated for defence spending comes from the deeply controversial cut to the international aid budget. Peace and security come from justice and stability, not from weapons and intimidation.

Archbishop Nolan, President of Justice & Peace Scotland, commented recently on development as the path to peace and security in response to the foreign aid cuts:

"The foreign aid budget itself promotes peace by helping to relieve poverty and stimulate development, thus eradicating some of the underlying causes that can lead to conflict in various parts of the world. The UK government should bow its head in shame at abandoning so many who until now have looked to the UK for help."

A truly just and peaceful society where the common good is realised for all and not just the many can never be underpinned by seeking to ensure a false peace through military power and the threat of arms, or by penalising the vulnerable for financial gain.

📸 - Ben Whitley / PA