Arthur Creech Jones was a conscientious objector in the First World War and later went on to be a government minister. At his Court-martial he stated his views about the stupidity of war - views which many COs shared:

‘I believe in human brotherhood and in the common humanity and common interests of all nations. I believe in co-operation, and not competition to the death, between individuals and nations. I view war as merely the test of might... It is a stupid, costly and obsolete method of attempting to settle the differences of diplomatists, in which the common people always pay with their blood, vitality and wealth. I believe there is a better way... I cannot, therefore, participate in any military organisation, every part of which is designed to make the machine of militarism efficient, and the method of which is the destruction of human life. I claim liberty of conscience and, therefore, cannot obey military orders.’
31 August, 1916. Arthur Creech Jones - Court-martial.