MPs
Your local MP has the most power to influence the policies of the government with regard to peace issues. Write to your MP to ensure that they participate in defence debates and vote against aggressive foreign policies involving the use of military force. Ensure that they are bringing the government to account over financial assistance to developing countries versus state assistance to arms manufacturers to sell to developing countries and elsewhere.

MSPs
Defence and Foreign Policy are reserved matters, so MSPs do not have any direct influence over policy, however, MSPs can make their views known to the Westminster government. Policies, such as the replacement of Trident nuclear missiles, which jeopardise peace and directly affect Scotland will be more difficult for Westminster to implement if it is known that the Scottish Parliament is not in favour. Write to your MSPs - both constituency and list - and lobby them to have the Scottish Parliament make a statement opposing policies which work against peace.

Councillors
Local councils have little influence over government policy, but can still make their views known. Some local authorities have declared themselves nuclear free zones which commits the council to a policy of non-cooperation in matters regarding nuclear arms.

MEPs
MEPs do not have any direct authority over foreign policy of individual countries and there are many examples - such as the war in Iraq - where different countries within the EU have been at odds. However, the EU does have influence, particularly when foreign policy or defence involve matters of trade.