NFPB members gathered in Nottingham and online on 1 March for our first meeting of the year, after a week in which issues of war and peace, diplomacy and international politics could not be ignored.
Military spending was a focus during our morning session. Russell Whiting joined us to speak about the issue and about the UK activities of the Global Campaign on Military Spending, for which he is Coordinator. Russell had adapted his prepared talk in the light of the government announcement earlier in the week about the plans to dramatically increase in military spending, cutting overseas aid in order to help fund that increase. He set out the global and national context in which this decision had been made, with politicians and much of the media being supportive of that direction of travel. Russell encouraged us to focus on a different conception of security, one that focuses on human security and climate change. In discussion, Friends recognised the difficulty at the moment of putting an alternative view across. For change to happen, we were encouraged to look for opportunities for dialogue, seeking common ground where possible, rather than simply polarised disagreement. The ‘Global Days of Action on Military Spending’ will take place this year over 10 April to 9 May.
For much of the afternoon session, NFPB members and local Friends reflected together on the extraordinary international context in which we were meeting, with the Ukrainian and US presidents’ uncomfortable encounter in the White House having taken place the previous day. Friends spoke of their anger, distress and confusion, a sense of vertigo as what is presented as reality is changing and usual ways of responding feel inadequate. We were reminded of those (Friends and others) seeking to challenge undemocratic and damaging policies. And we heard again of inspiring initiatives in Palestine and Israel which bring people together across divides to forge new ways forward. This is a time in which many will be feeling fearful, but also one in which radical new visions and approaches may be needed.
During the day, we also heard news of the activities of Friends at local level and with other groups and networks and of the work of the NFPB Coordinator since our previous meeting. Trustees reported on their work, including an overview of our financial situation and their work to plan for changes in staffing arrangements at the end of 2026.
In our opening worship we had remembered David Gee, who supported and contributed to the work of NFPB in different ways over the years, and who had died towards the end of last year. We were reminded of David’s writing in Hope’s Work: “In hope’s fellowship, everyone has a place … All hands can take a little of the work and so participate in hope’s ecology. It may not always feel like it … but to be part of the work is a privilege; we just need to know what share of hope’s work is our own to hold.”
NFPB will next meet:
- 0n 28 June in Edinburgh
- and 27 September in York.