The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is advocating for government funds allocated to defense to be redirected towards union workers, arguing that "investment in workers" should precede increases in national security spending. This stance was central to discussions at the TUC's conference, which began on September 12, 2026.
The TUC's position, part of the "Wages Not Weapons" campaign, contends that genuine security is achieved through robust public services, social protection, and sustained public investment in areas such as health, education, housing, social care, social security, and climate resilience.
Paul Nowak, TUC general secretary, stated that the government should not frame the issue as a choice between increased defense spending and welfare provisions. This call comes as the UK faces perceived security threats, with the Conservative Party having pledged to raise defense spending to 3 percent of GDP by 2030, a goal they intend to achieve partly by reducing benefits.