Across Europe, governments, investors and trade unions have begun tightening restrictions on arms and financial ties with Israel—led by Spain’s full embargo and Slovenia’s symbolic ban—signalling a fragile but notable shift in the continent’s long-standing defence relations before the Gaza ceasefire of October 2025.

The British government’s refusal to disclose the cost of its new missile deal with France, despite promises of transparency and fiscal responsibility, exposes a troubling pattern of secrecy in UK defence spending at a time of growing public scrutiny.

The UK’s Special Forces have been reported on operations in almost twenty countries in just over 10 years. Here we outline why this might be concern.

Data on costs associated with Defence Loan Service Personnel to 85 countries, including human rights priority nations, reveal global cost of up to £40m in 2022.

Last week, more than 80 countries endorsed a new international commitment to address one of the greatest threats to civilians during armed conflict: the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.