I'm sick of hearing about how we need to boost defence spending to keep the country safe, when the truth is that's just code for lining the pockets of arms dealers and politicians who don't know the first thing about what actually keeps people safe. I see patients every day who are struggling to get the care they need because the NHS is underfunded, and yet we're always finding money to throw at the military.
I work in a hospital where we're constantly struggling to keep up with demand, where nurses are burning out and doctors are leaving in droves because they just can't take it anymore. And yet the government is still talking about increasing defence spending, like that's going to make a difference to anyone's safety. It's just not true. What keeps people safe is having a functioning healthcare system, having good schools, having a social safety net that actually works.
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It's frustrating to think that all the while, money is being poured into defence spending, when what really keeps our community safe is having access to essential services like healthcare, education, and social support. I've seen firsthand how these services can make a real difference in people's lives, and it's just common sense that we should be prioritising them over defence spending. For instance, a well-funded library can provide a safe space for kids to do their homework, and offer resources for people to learn new skills, which in turn can help reduce crime and improve overall wellbeing.