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.
Arms industry spends millions to promote brands in schools
10/09/2018
Defence groups sponsor lessons that promote building and sale of military hardware
The Observer
Girl Guides defend controversial new deal with British army
10/09/2018
Petition launched after members claim partnership with military runs counter to the Guides’ peace ethos
The Observer
Parliamentary mental health inquiry shows youngest military recruits and those from disadvantaged backgrounds face greater mental health risks than others in the forces
24/07/2018
The Defence Select Committee recommended that the Ministry of Defence ‘conducts or commissions further research into female personnel, early Service leavers and recruits under 18 to determine the extent to which they are at higher risk of developing mental health conditions.’
ForcesWatch press release
Warrior Nation – how the power of the military challenges British democracy
25/06/2018ForcesWatch press release
A new report by a leading defence academic reveals how a 'militarisation offensive' – which began in 2006 to create support for the Afghan war - has increased the military's influence on British politics and society. (2)
My thoughts exactly: UK army accused of dictating soldiers’ press statements
09/06/2018
The army has been accused of manipulating teenage soldiers by spoonfeeding them identikit quotes to be used in local and regional newspaper articles extolling life in the military.
The Guardian
UK military school audit reveals teenage recruits at risk
09/06/2018
Drive to fast-track late joiners at AFC Harrogate led to issues including skewing staff/student ratios in dangerous activities.
The Guardian
British army ads targeting ‘stressed and vulnerable’ teenagers
09/06/2018
The British army has targeted recruitment material at “stressed and vulnerable” 16-year-olds via social media on and around GCSE results day, the Guardian can reveal.
The Guardian
News coverage of the Scottish Parliament’s report on armed forces visits to schools
04/06/2018
With the publication of the Scottish Parliament's Public Petitions Committee report on our petition on armed forces visits to schools, there has been substantial coverage in the news.
Scottish Parliament recognises child rights and welfare concerns around armed forces activities in schools
04/06/2018
Quakers in Scotland and ForcesWatch welcome the recommendations made in a report from the Scottish Parliament about armed forces activities in schools.
ForcesWatch and Quakers in Scotland press release
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.
