Activists to pressure new arms fair owners

By John Hill on June 12, 2008 11:40 AM |

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ANTI-WAR protesters aim to stoke up the pressure on the new owners of ExCeL’s international arms fair.

Campaigners are keen to open talks with Clarion Events after the exhibitions group snapped up the DSEi defence exhibition, which is held every other year at the centre in Royal Docks.

Strong opposition inside and outside the company forced previous owners Reed Elsevier to pledge to sell the fair last year.

As well as dialogue with Clarion, reports suggest activists may consider peaceful protests at other shows on the exhibitor’s roster to highlight its links to the arms trade, such as the Baby Shows in Manchester, Birmingham, Earls Court and ExCeL.

A Clarion Events spokesman confirmed the “thriving” fair would go ahead as planned in September 2009, and that there are no plans to tinker with either the location or the frequency of the event.

He said: “We do recognise people’s right to protest but these are legitimate shows with the full support of the Government, serving the legitimate defence industry.”

Clarion reported “considerably” more stand space had been sold for DSEi 2009 than at the same point before DSEi 2007. But it was keen to highlight the rise in companies selling rescue, medical and mine detection equipment at the fair.

Clarion CEO Simon Kimble said: “Today global security and defence encompasses far more than military systems.
“Security can be threatened by humanitarian disasters resulting in mass displacement of people or water and food shortages, terrorism or pandemic which can cause devastation in a similar manner to military engagement.”

A Campaign Against The Arms Trade spokesman would not comment on any plans for protests, but confirmed the group would continue with its push to see the fair closed down for good.

He said: “The people who are in need of defence are the victims of the arms trade and not the representatives of this fair. We’ve seen opinion turn strongly against the arms trade in the last couple of years, and we’re disappointed to see Clarion are so out of touch with this.”