The National Peace Council (NPC), founded in 1908 and disbanded in 2000, acted as the co-ordinating body for almost 200 groups across Britain, with a membership ranging from small village peace groups to national trade unions and local authorities. The groups were all united in their interest in peace, human rights, justice and the environment. The group originated in 1904 or 1905 as the National Council of Peace Societies, but it was permanently established as the National Peace Council after the 17th Universal Peace Conference took place in London in 1908.