The Peace Protestors: A History of Modern-Day War Resistance

British troops are almost always in action around the world, but peace movements have been a constant part of UK history. This book sheds light on some of the most surprising and overlooked events of recent decades, such as the protests against the Falklands War and the acquittal of four women who disarmed a warplane in the 1990s. Dissent and disobedience within the armed forces continues far from the public gaze, and Michael Lyons was refused discharge from the Royal Navy in 2011 despite developing a conscientious objection to war.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

British troops are almost always engaged in combat operations across the globe, from Afghanistan to the Falklands, from Northern Ireland to Iraq. However, resistance to war is never far away. Sometimes, these resisters can rely on public support, while at other times, they stand alone against the tide. Peace movements, both large and small, have played a significant role in UK history, particularly in the last 40 years. This book tells the stories of these peace activists, shedding light on some of the most surprising and overlooked events of recent decades.

Drawing on extensive interviews, fresh research, and newly released government documents, the book delves into the lives and actions of these peace activists. It reveals the hidden stories behind events such as the Margaret Thatcher government's fear of US troops firing on unarmed demonstrators, the quiet work of Quakers in bringing about a ceasefire in Northern Ireland, and the protests against the Falklands War that saw over 100 arrests and public demonstrations.

While the jingoistic atmosphere of the Falklands War is well-documented, there is less attention paid to the protests that took place. These protests, which saw more than 100 arrests at navy recruitment centers and public demonstrations, highlighted the deep and bitter divisions amongst anti-war activists. The apparent public support for the campaign against the Iraq war masked the deep and bitter divisions within the anti-war movement. Dissent and disobedience within the armed forces continue to occur, far from the public gaze.

In 2011, Michael Lyons, a Royal Navy officer who developed a conscientious objection to war, was refused discharge. He spent seven months in a military prison. This book brings to life the realities of resistance by individuals whose refusal to conform has much to say about how we view the UK and British history today. It serves as a reminder that the struggle for peace and justice is an ongoing one, and that the stories of those who resist are worth telling and remembering.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399007863