The DSEI arms fair arrives in London again and we must oppose it
The DSEI arms fair, which is euphemistically called the Defence and Security Equipment International, is one of the world’s largest arms fairs. In 2019 it brought together over 36,000 arms buyers and dealers from 114 countries to network and make deals. This year military delegations from oppressive regimes will be browsing the wares of 1,600+ arms companies selling everything from guns and bombs to fighter jets and warships. At the last DSEI, the UK invited delegations to DSEI from 67 countries, including countries involved in military conflicts and at war, and on its own list of human rights abusers. This fair is where war and conflict starts and it must be strongly opposed.
Between September 6th and 16th there is a whole range of actions taking place to oppose and disrupt the fair, starting with Disarm DSEI’s Critical Mass cycle ride and ending with a Palestinian-led rally. In-between you can join various themed days of action, check out the return of the awesome Art the Arms Fair and take part in the Tank the Arms Fair day of action on the opening day of the fair. Information about all these and more can be found on the Stop the Arms Fair website.
Say no to the Liverpool arms fair
London is not the only venue for an arms fair this month. The AOC Europe 2021 arms fair is scheduled to take place at the council-owned ACC Exhibition Centre and Liverpool Against the Arms Fair have called a demonstration against it on September 11th. Join them to oppose another arms fair where lethal weapons and military technology will be marketed and sold. Full details here. You can also email the directors of the ACC asking them to revoke permission for the event here.