Europe's largest arms fair, DSEI, opened in London's Docklands on Tuesday, drawing 35,000 delegates and exhibitors to the Excel centre. The biennial event has grown by 7% despite opposition, with at least 116 protesters arrested in the past week for offences including aggravated trespass and obstruction of the highway.
On Sunday, around 200 protesters demonstrated for the seventh consecutive day, blocking a road near the venue. Metropolitan police surrounded them, with a spokesperson stating the force aims to facilitate protests while minimising disruption. The event features speeches from International Trade Secretary Liz Truss and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, with 68 international delegations invited, including Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Campaigners accuse the government of disproportionate support for the arms industry. Andrew Smith from Campaign Against the Arms Trade said DSEI could not happen on this scale without ministerial backing. UK arms sales hit a record £14bn last year, with 80% of exports going to the Middle East. The Royal Navy frigate HMS Argyll is docked nearby, and a demonstration of autonomous naval drones is planned.
Wallace may announce the winner of a £1.25bn contract to build Type 31e frigates, with Babcock as favourite. Among 32 Israeli exhibitors is Elbit Systems, whose technology is described as 'battle-proven'. Eight military delegations are from 'human rights priority countries', including Saudi Arabia and Israel. Organisers have restricted access for human rights groups; Amnesty International was refused entry on Friday.
Amnesty released a report accusing the arms industry of outsourcing responsibility for human rights violations. Two companies were expelled from the 2013 fair for illegally marketing shackles and electric shock weapons.
