In these challenging times, many are challenging the status quo, asking why injustice, war and poverty continue alongside the extremes of affluence and waste. 100 years ago, courageous women and men also challenged the order of the day: a merciless hunger for bloodshed. Together with young writers, I’m proud to have taken part in a project researching and writing about World War One’s Conscientious Objectors, and our book is now available online.

‘I refuse to be a soldier. I object to killing my fellow men and consider it murder in any circumstances.’ Isaac Booth, 24, boiler stoker at Pilsley Colliery. Chesterfield Rural Tribunal, reported in the Derbyshire Courier, 5th January 1918.