The arms industry has inserted itself into the very heart and machinery of government giving it totally disproportionate access and influence over vital areas, warping public policy and harming us all.
Arms companies have long enjoyed a close relationship with the Government, giving them immense influence over government decision-making.
There are many opportunities for arms companies to gain access to and influence the Government:
- from the thousands of hours of meetings,
- to the revolving door between companies, military and government,
- to the industry bodies within government itself
Why it matters
The influence of this network of relations warps government priorities, leading to the promotion of corporate interests over policies that would protect the security of people in the UK and elsewhere.
Many of the biggest threats to our security are not military, such as climate change and pandemics like COVID-19. These threats need to be met with appropriate responses and public services, not a militaristic security policy that is shaped and influenced by arms company interests.
We can see this influence in action when arms sales are prioritised over arms controls and human rights, and narrow and dangerous visions of security dominate.
Read our recommendations for change.
