Anti-war activist Jonathon Shafi tells Jamal Elaheebocus how the International Anti-War Conference will expand and strengthen the anti-war and Palestine movements

Can you tell us why you’re attending the peace conference?

It is not hyperbole to say this is a conference with a historic duty. The rush to rearmament, militarisation and war is obvious, and it requires coordinated action across Europe and beyond. The line-up and delegations coming from so many countries is inspiring and shows the level of organisation behind it. We should never take that for granted. That is why everyone who wants to build the anti-war and Palestine solidarity movement should be there to plan and discuss the big challenges that confront us.

What does the increasing militarism look like in your country/area and what has the response been?

In Scotland, our airports have been used to refuel American military aircraft. Not to mention the fact that our waters host Trident nuclear missiles. We have been campaigning on both of these fronts, and have protested at airports, on city streets and at Holyrood.

Why do you think having an international anti-war movement is important?

The Genoa dock workers have inspired us, and the mass demonstrations in London have energised the movement in France. That is the beauty of solidarity – we learn from each other. And take confidence from movements across the world. Now more than ever we need that process to be calibrated, coordinated and fused together. This kind of internationalism is not an optional extra – it is vital if we are to construct a movement broad and radical enough to oppose the drive to war and the related attacks on workers living standards and civil liberties.

What are you hoping the conference will do for the anti-war movement?

It’s simple. Closer ties, better organisation, a higher level of politics, an anti-war internationalism that can lead to effective demonstrations and action. All of us together, and all in unison. That’s how we build our strength and resolve in these horrific and volatile times.