Cytûn joins Welsh Government roundtable on ethical defence investment
Cytûn’s represented the churches at the roundtable yesterday (Monday 19 October). It was chaired by senior officials, at the invitation of Adam Price MS, Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy.
The meeting was one of a series of discussions being held by Welsh Government with industry, universities, trade unions and civil society. The Ethical Defence Investment Framework for Wales will guide its support for businesses in defence-related sectors.
Cytûn’s response rests on three areas:
- International humanitarian law, which protects civilians in armed conflict.
- The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, including its goal of a globally responsible Wales.
- The widest possible value for Wales from Welsh Government support for business, building on provisions already in government policy.
“We are grateful for the invitation, and we will keep engaging constructively. Our member churches hold a wide range of convictions on defence, so we are not taking a position on the sector itself. Our concern is that decisions rest on clear law and bring lasting and genuine value to Wales.”
Cytûn also asked that proposals stay within the powers of the Welsh Government and the Senedd, and that the framework be clear enough to be tested in law.
The sector is a significant employer in Wales. Around 16,000 people work directly in aerospace and defence, according to the Welsh Government. Last year, ITV Cymru Wales took a rare look inside the General Dynamics plant in Merthyr Tydfil, where about 250 people build Ajax armoured vehicles for the British Army.
Concerns over timetable for consultation
Stakeholders have only one week to respond. Cytûn believes this is too short for organisations whose members hold a wide range of views.
This is part of Cytûn’s wider work on faith and human rights, and on the place of the Christian tradition in Welsh public life. That tradition has shaped Wales for centuries. Since disestablishment in 1920, the churches have served public life as voluntary bodies. Their freedom is secured by clear law that protects people of every faith and none.
We will be in touch with members shortly about the Welsh Government’s timetable.
