Increased UK military spending is in the political spotlight but the huge and increasing proportion that is spent on nuclear weapons is not. Steve Barwick and Tim Street make a compelling and urgent case for much greater scrutiny of the UK nuclear weapons programme by Parliamentary Committees.
Scrutinising UK Arms Exports: Dissolving the CAEC is pie in the sky thinking
For 25 years parliamentary scrutiny of UK arms exports was conducted by a unique and often dysfunctional combination of departmental select committees: the CAEC. Suddenly, it’s only a matter for Business and Trade. Anna Stavrianakis analyses what’s gone wrong with parliamentary oversight and how, when it is most needed, it can be put right.
Why do we not know if US nuclear weapons are returning to Lakenheath?
Why do we not know if US nuclear weapons are about to return to the UK? Because British sovereignty over military-decision making has been surrendered to the United States and NATO, argues Ian Davis.
Whistleblowing and Security
When so-called security agencies operate in secrecy and with impunity, it is predictable that they become flawed and corrupt. Brian Martin argues that the role of whistleblowers is crucial; they need the skills to alert citizens to problems and, if possible, to survive in their jobs.