Oppose militarism at anti-war conference in London

June’s international conference against war is taking place in London at a critical moment in history. We are seeing war spreading across the world, and the global economy is in crisis. Talk of war has become preparation for war.

We refuse to accept the descent into barbarism being led by the Trump presidency and his appeasement by the British government, and invite every student and worker, every trade unionist and anti-war activist to attend this crucial conference.

Already we know we will be joined by Italian dockers, German school students, French teachers, Spanish trade unionists, British anti-war activists and many more to discuss how to stop the new drive to war and the austerity it’s bringing with it.

The war in the Middle East, Trump’s attacks on Iran, regime change in Venezuela, the siege of Cuba, threats in the Pacific, the ongoing genocide in Palestine and the continuing war in Ukraine all show the world is in a perilous state.

Money that should be spent on health care, transport, education and housing is being swept away into the bottomless pockets of arms manufacturers. Families that have not known military conscription for generations listen in fear as military leaders and politicians warn that their sons and daughters must be prepared to fight and die.

In the face of war and the racist divisions it breeds, we must create our own international network to organise for peace and oppose the US and European imperial project.

This is why the eve of May Day 2026 international online rally hosted by Arise – a Festival of the Left ideas – for solidarity, struggle and socialism has a vital role in building for the conference.

Speakers at the rally include Diane Abbott MP; Lindsey German, Stop the War Coalition; Danièle Obono, La France Insoumise MP; Saed Erziqat, General Secretary, General Union of Palestinian Teachers; Ismara Mercedes Vargas Walter, Cuban Ambassador to the UK; Kate Hudson, CND and more.

In being a key partner in the organisation of the international anti-war conference, Stop the War says no to rearmament, no to conscription, and yes to well-funded health, education and public services, decent jobs, and higher wages.

We must challenge the push to war and militarism. We must fight for the livelihood, indeed the very lives, of working people. There has never been a more important time to build an international anti-war movement.

There are five reasons for attending both the Arise rally on 30 April and the international anti-war conference on 20 June:

1. War and the threat of war is spreading. Trump’s attacks and regime change in Venezuela and the siege of Cuba, the war in the Middle East, threats in the Pacific and the ongoing war in Ukraine all show the world is in a perilous state.
2. Militarism is on the rise. Massive hikes in military spending are being seen throughout Europe. Europe is not just rearming but is reindustrialising for ‘defence’. In the UK, Starmer has brought forward military spending targets and wants to boost drone and military manufacturing. Macron has called for greater defence cooperation and procurement across Europe, while in Germany, Volkswagen is signalling a move from car production to military manufacturing.
   ​
3. Conscription is on the up across the continent. In France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Eastern Europe, the young are being prepared to fight. Here, the government clearly plans to introduce conscription by stealth. We have been told to be ‘ready to fight’ and to prepare to sacrifice our children.
   ​
4. Racism is fuelled by foreign wars – especially Middle Eastern ones. The rise in Islamophobia, the growth of Reform, Labour’s pandering to the politics of hate and anti-migrant rhetoric are all corrupting society and politics, leading to a surge in support for far-right political parties here. similar currents are witnessed across Europe.
   ​
5. War comes home to bite. The war on Iran has caused economic shock waves around the world. Oil and energy prices are rising rapidly; fertiliser and food are expected to follow. The cost of living will hit us all, and the poor will pay the hardest.

Eight national trade unions and nearly 100 union branches and trade union councils have formally backed the international conference, including by passing the model motion for unions.

So, be part of the movement against war. Come to the international anti-war conference in London on 20 June 2026 and ask your union branch/trades council to send a delegation. Tickets are selling fast – over 1,000 have already been sold – so don’t delay in registering your delegation or buying an individual ticket.

Saturday 20 June 13:00 – 17:00 (doors open midday)

Central Hall Westminster, London SW1H 9NH

• You can get tickets for the International Conference against War here.
• You can contribute to Stop the War’s Crowdfunder to raise the money they need for translation costs here.

Source: Labour Outlook