TUC votes to oppose defence spending and support investment in public services

Delegates to the TUC's annual Congress in Brighton backed the motion in a contested vote in the hall, which means the trade union movement now opposes Labour's increases in defence spending and is instead calling for the money to be invested in rebuilding Britain's broken public services and core sectors.  

The motion, proposed by UCU general secretary Jo Grady, was voted through just prior to the arrival of the government's keynote speaker to Congress, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.  

The TUC overturning its support for increased defence spending is a major shift, reflecting significant disquiet in the trade union movement at there always being money for spending on arms while everything - and everyone - else is squeezed.  

The change in the TUC's stance piles yet more pressure onto the Labour Party ahead of the Budget, as the government has committed to increasing defence spending by over ten billion pounds each year, eventually up to 5% of GDP, while starving other sectors of investment. 

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'Labour tells workers there is no money left for us - for our wages, our services, our industries - yet somehow finds billions to spend on weapons and war. Trade unions aren't going to accept that anymore. We are coming together to demand investment in our members and their communities. 

'Buying more American weapons won't make Britain any safer or more secure. For that, we need serious public investment to rebuild the fabric of our country. Labour must start transferring wealth and power to working people.'