Arms campaigners press on with peace tax scheme

By Christopher Rails THE Peace Tax Campaign has prepared a statement refuting objections by more than half Britain's MPs to its proposals for "conscientious objectors" to opt out of paying taxes for armaments.
The campaign aims to establish a statutory right for all who object to paying part of their taxes towards war or military preparations to have that part of their taxes diverted to a peace fund, used exclusively for nonmilitary peace-making purposes.
As part of this aim. it asked its 3,000 supporters to write to their MPs. setting out the reasons for such a right. More than half the MPs were reached. and replied.
A high proportion, including the three main party leaders. were sympathetic. but dismissed the proposals as "impractical".
PTC says there were four main arguments: .t.To concede the right to opt out of paying taxes for arms would create a dangerous preccden • It would be impossible to calculate an individual's share of defence spending.
• Those who enjoy the benefits of a free society must be prepared to pay for them.
• The Government must' made adequate provision for defence.
The statement refuting the MPs' argument will take the form of a printed leaflet. and a covering letter addressed to "All Members of Parliament" will be prepared.
Dr Kenneth Greet. President of the Methodist Conference, called the arms race "Big Sin" when he addressed the Free Church Federal Congress at Bournemouth last week.
The arms trade was "the most sinister vested interest the world has ever seen." said Dr Green. "Its profits are Judas' thirty pieces of silver multiplied a million million times over".
The "Big Sin" was perpetrated by politicians on behalf of the people they represented.
On Good Friday. 12 pilgrims on bicycles will set out from lona to cycle the 900 miles to Canterbury Cathedral. Organised by the Fellowship of Reconciliation. the pilgrimage will promote discussion and action on disarmament along the route. Included will be a peace concert in. or near. Westminster Cathedral.
• Labour Euro-MP Mr Richard Balfe has tabled a resolution for the European Parliament's Political Affairs Committee. which would change annual Remembrance Day services into a European Peace Day.