War Starts Here

For four days in September, the international weapons industry plans to set up shop in London at a huge arms fair, DSEI.

One of the largest arms fairs in the world, ‘Defence & Security Equipment International’ will feature exhibitors selling weapons from machine guns to tanks. A whole range of buyers will also be there – including Israel who have been invited to host a ‘country pavilion’ despite the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Saudi Arabia, have been regular attendees, in spite of a Court of Appeal ruling that arms sales to the kingdom which could be used for human rights violations in Yemen are ‘unlawful’.

War Starts Here – let’s stop it here.

‘Drop DSEI’ online action

As we prepare to witness against the DSEI arms fair, Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) have shared an online action calling on one of the event partners to drop DSEI:

It is not only the government officials and arms company executives who increase their wealth through DSEI, the web of corporations profiting from this monstrous event reaches much wider. DSEI’s official hotel booking partner is EventBeds™ owned by Leeds-based NuBreed Hotels.

Take action now and demand EventBeds™ and NuBreed Hotels cut ties with DSEI using the email-sending tool on the CAAT website.

Take Action with CAAT

Quaker Roots are also encouraging people to make origami hearts that can be given to arms dealers and members of the public. If you can’t get down to DSEI but would like to send some hearts, please get in touch.

Video: Simple Origami Heart

Peace Pilgrimage

1st – 8th September

In the lead up to DSEI, we are supporting a Peace Pilgrimage gathering in Oxford on 1st September, and arriving at the Excel for a vigil on the eve of the arms fair on 8th September. there are still full places (with basic accommodation) for under 40s; and spaces for day walkers of any age. Or follow the pilgrimage online and show support.

Why a pilgrimage? By slowing down, we give ourselves space to breathe and time to access the deepest parts of ourselves, the parts that are so easily forgotten in the busyness of daily life. By walking on foot, we remind ourselves of all the beauty that surrounds us and reconnect with some of our essential human wildness. By setting out on an adventure, we open ourselves to growth and new insights as we walk with the powerful intention to sow seeds of peace in our world!

Peace Camp as DSEI sets up

1st – 7th September

A peace camp will be held at the East gate of the ExCel centre, to protest as weapons and other equipment is brought in ahead of the fair. Stop the Arms Fair coalition have identified theme days to reflect the fact that the arms trade touches a huge range of issues and struggles.

The following themed days have been set by the coalition to bring some of these connections into focus and provide structure, but they are not strict and all kinds of actions and issues are welcome on any day.

Monday 1st September – Setting up camp
Tuesday 2nd – Setting up camp &banner making
Wed 3rd – Rethinking security: police, borders and prisons at DSEI
Thu 4th – No Ecocide, No Genocide
Fri 5th – Think Global, Act Local (international struggles and solidarity)
Sat 6th – Workers against the Arms Trade
Sun 7th – Festival of Resistance (performance, creativity, party)

Witness as the Arms Fair begins

8th – 12th September

Our friends at Quaker Roots will be joining grounded witness alongside people of all faiths and none as the arms fair begins:

Monday 8th September – Merchants of Death Walk of Witness to expose arms company HQs. Family friendly action, starting with refreshments and crafts at Westminster meeting house.

Monday 8th September – Evening vigil for DSEI at the ExCel Centre, with Quaker peace & Social Witness and Pax Christi.

Tuesday 9th September – No Faith in War Day on the opening day of the arms fair, alongside other faith groups.

Wednesday 10th September – ‘Stop DSEI’ demand hand-in.

There are also more theme days of action at the ExCel as the arms fair continues: