News articles

We no longer post news articles here but keep this archive for reference. Check out our Twitter feed for relevant news and our comment articles for longer analysis.

Harrogate abuse court martials

20/03/2018
On the day that the Harrogate abuse court martials were dropped and the press was allowed to comment after reporting restrictions were lifted, there was coverage in almost all the major news outlets. Our comments, and those of partner organisations, were also reported.

Military recruits: How MoD could be targeting your children

08/12/2017

STV

Scottish TV report on armed forces visits to schools in Scotland.

SNP adopt #MakeIt18

10/10/2017

Various

A passionate debate was held on Sunday 8 October at the SNP Conference on Raising the Minimum Age of Military Recruitment to 18. The motion was passed!

From the classroom to the frontline – schools must be careful what they teach kids about the army

06/10/2017

The Conversation

This article by Jonathan Parry. Lecturer in Global Ethics at the University of Birmingham, explores the dangers involved in miltary activity in schools and for the youngest recruits. It emphasises the moral risks and the 'moral exploitation' involved.

Academics: Armed forces are no place for 16-year-olds

13/09/2017

Various

A letter to the Guardian (12/09/17) from more than 50 academics has called for the age of recruitment ot the UK armed forces to be raised to 18. It backs a conference motion from SNP Youth in support of this.

British Army targets working class kids

13/07/2017

The Guardian and The Independent

The Army's latest recruitment campaign focuses on low income families from cities with high deprivation levels.

The First Ambush: Effects of army training and employment

04/07/2017

Veterans For Peace UK

A new report out today from Veterans For Peace UK details how the Army's training process has a 'forceful impact' on attitudes, health, and behaviour even before recruits are sent to war.

Hidden in full sight: sex abuse covered up by cadet forces

04/07/2017

BBC News

BBC Panorama has uncovered evidence of repeated cover-ups of historical sex abuse in Britain's cadet forces.

The militarisation of schools

23/01/2017

The Independent

The UK is one of few countries that allow minors to enlist. Despite calls to cease the recruitment of under-18s the Army is digging in to hold its ground.

Enlisting at 16: the other side of the story

09/01/2017

Child Soldiers International

This series of 2-minute films by Child Soldiers International give a powerful insight into the reality of signing up as a young recruit, how training brutalises young soldiers and the long-term harmful effects of training and combat.