A VIGIL for action against military spending was staged in Keighley today.

The socially-distanced event, which took place outside the bus station, was organised by Keighley Peace Justice and the Environment Network.

Mollie Binns, a member of the network and of Yorkshire Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, said: “I believe in peace – we need peace. It is a precious thing.

“We need to think about mother earth and taking care of her.”

She was also critical of Government plans to increase the UK’s overall cap on the number of nuclear warheads to 260 – the figure was due to fall to 180 under previous proposals.

“It’s a disgrace,” she said.

“The Government needs to be re-educated so it can begin contributing towards a more caring, peaceful world.”

Network colleague Sylvia Boyes said: “Despite the universal acceptance that the pandemic and climate change are existential threats, we have seen a pay freeze for frontline workers and a vast increase in the military budget. Does this reflect our priorities in the kind of society we want?”