The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is calling for funds allocated to defense to be redirected towards supporting union workers, arguing that investment in people should precede increases in national security spending. The call comes as the TUC begins its conference, where delegates will debate a motion centered on the "Wages Not Weapons" campaign.
The campaign asserts that true security is fostered through robust public services and social protection. It advocates for sustained public investment across sectors including health, education, housing, social care, social security, and climate resilience.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak stated that the government should not frame the issue as a choice between increasing defense spending and supporting welfare programs. This position emerges as the UK faces what are described as unprecedented security threats, with current government proposals from the Conservative party vowing to raise defense spending to 3 percent of GDP by 2030, potentially through benefit cuts.