Peace campaigners challenge wasteful Armed Forces Day spending as Rushmoor Borough Council and arms companies pour hundreds of thousands into national event
Friday 26 June 2026
Press Release by a coalition of peace and anti-war organisations – Peace Pledge Union, ForcesWatch, Campaign Against Arms Trade and Quakers in Britain; supported by Veterans for Peace Britain
Individuals and groups this weekend (27-28th June) are challenging the normalisation of Armed Forces Day military displays and ‘family fun’ events with counter-activities across the country.
At a vigil for peace, held at this year’s national event in Farnborough on 28th June, hosted by Rushmoor Borough Council, anti-war organisations are inviting the public to take part in alternative family activities to build peace and highlight the wasteful spending on Armed Forces Day events.
This year alone, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded a total of £480,000 in grants to Armed Forces Day events across the UK. While at least six of the world’s largest arms companies are sponsoring the events, with both BAE Systems and QinetiQ handing over £100,000 in sponsorship for the national event.
Also amongst campaigners’ concerns is a decision by the Council to exclude the public from its decision to host the national event at the expense of the public purse. Rushmoor Borough Council events are costing over £680,000, with the council agreeing to fund any shortfall for events often portrayed as family entertainment.… Read more