London: Peace Vigils at DSEI Arms Fair

The Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) Arms Fair returns to London Docklands on Tuesday, 14 September. This is where those who profit from war, repression and injustice do business. The biennial fair at the ExCel centre features planes, bombs, rockets, guns, tanks and warships and is one of the busiest in the world. In 2019 some 1700 exhibiting companies, and 36,000+ attended. As well as sales people from all the big arms makers, a number of delegations from big arms buying countries will be present, most having been invited by the UK government.

The most important of these by far will be the delegation from Saudi Arabia, one of the biggest arms buyers in the world and one of the leading countries in a coalition fighting the war in Yemen. This conflict has seen the deaths of thousands of civilians, and estimated arms sales to the coalition around £18 billion since the conflict began in 2015. The wider invite list is a who's-who of human rights abusers, and last time included Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, all countries on the UK governments own list of "countries of concern".

Peace groups of all faiths and none are already beginning to gather at the site as arms traders begin to set up their stands.

The Catholic Bishops together with other organisation have signed the following statement against the Arms Fair:

"As the UK again prepares to host one of the world's largest arms fairs, we recall the message of Pope Francis: "Why are deadly weapons being sold to those who plan to inflict untold suffering on individuals and society? Sadly, the answer, as we all know, is simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood. In the face of this shameful and culpable silence, it is our duty to confront the problem and to stop the arms trade."

Arms Fair peace events

11- 16 September 12 -8pm
Art the Arms Fair
At the Bomb Boutique
50 Brook Street, London W1K 5DR

Monday, 13 September, 2-4pm
In-person training session
Run by Quakers, will take place at Friends House, Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ
From here people will be travelling together to the Silent, Candle-lit Vigil at 6.30pm.

Monday 13 September: meet 6.30pm for 7pm
Silent, candle-lit vigil organised by Pax Christi, Quaker Peace and Social Witness and Quaker Roots.
Please bring lanterns/candles.
Gather at Royal Victoria DLR, on the south side, by the roundabout on Seagull Lane, London, E16 1BY. We will then walk to the ExCeL Centre, Royal Victoria Square, London, E16 1RH for the Vigil 7-8pm. We encourage social distancing and mask wearing.

Monday 13 September
Online Vigil for start of DSEI Arms Fair
8pm (BST) organised by Anglican Peacemakers.
This vigil will follow on from one at the DSEI site by Pax Christi and Quakers.
For zoom link email: chair@anglicanpeacemaker.org.uk

Tuesday, 14 September: 10.30 meeting for 11am start.
Pax Christi Peace Pilgrimage to Excel Arms Fair Site
Meet at 10.30am at St Anne's RC Church, 1 Berwick Road, Custom House, London EC16 3DR to walk to ExCeL Centre for DSEI day of Action. Nearest Station: Prince Regent DLR. All welcome to join us. Please bring drinking water. There is a very good Community Café near to ExCel, in Cundy Road, but it can get very busy. You may want to bring your own refreshments.
It would be helpful if you could let the organisers know that you are hoping to come, by emailing info@paxchristi.org.uk
This will enable them to let you know if there are any changes due to Police Security arrangements.

15 & 17 September 12 - 5.30pm
Art the Arms Fair
At the Bomb Boutique
50 Brook Street, London W1K 5DR

(Check ICN Listings for details of further events)

LINKS

NJPN Blog on Conflict, climate change and resisting arms trade - https://tinyurl.com/3pnjpu9v

Catholic Bishops and organisations call for end to arms trade - www.indcatholicnews.com/news/42988

Art the Arms Fair - https://artthearmsfair.com/