This September, the international weapons industry is coming to the Excel Centre in London for one of the world’s biggest arms fairs: DSEI. We’ll be there to say No to arms and Yes to human rights – and you can take part.
DSEI (Defence & Security Equipment International) last took place in September 2015, and Campaign Against Arms Trade report that it “featured 1,500 exhibitors from around the world, displaying arms ranging from sniper rifles to tanks to combat aircraft to warships. They were joined by trade visitors and military delegations, including those from human rights abusing regimes and countries involved in conflict.”
DSEI is organised jointly by the UK government and a private events-organising company, and is subsidised by public money: so as citizens we have a right to say that arms dealers are not welcome to use the UK to sell weapons, especially when they may be used for human rights abuses.
In 2015 DSEI was challenged by a week of daily blockades and creative protest. The protests took place the week before the arms fair to disrupt the exhibitors whilst they were trying to bring their display weapons into the Excel centre. The same approach is planned for 2017: a week of action has been called for the 4th – 11th September 2017, and people from across the country will be taking a stand.
Peace Hub will be joining the protests on Tuesday 5th September, which has the theme ‘No Faith in War’. We’re joining together with other Christian peace-activists fromt he West Midlands for a non-violent protest, and bringing our banner declaring ‘Brummies for Peace’. If you’d like to travel down to London on the train with us, please contact office@peacehub.org.uk by Friday 1st September.