Peace activists challenge DSEI UK 2023 arms show in London where a Canada Pavilion plans to sell weapons

Photo: A truck is blocked at DSEI UK 2023, September 8.

The DSEI UK 2023 arms show is taking place in London this September 12-15.

As noted here, the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI), the same industry lobby group that organizes the annual CANSEC arms show in Ottawa, has organized a Canada Pavilion at DSEI in London.

In 2022, Canada exported about $2.122 billion in “military goods”, not counting the estimated $1 billion exported to the United States

Video by Juice Media.

#StopDSEI

Even before DSEI officially opens, Freedom News has reported: “Several hundred people came together to oppose the London arms fair, with events including a Quaker meeting for worship and an Anglican prayer service in front of one of the gates. After several hours, and with the number of trucks waiting to go onto the site building up, the police moved in and imposed conditions on the protest. Nine people were arrested.”

We are also following on social media the resistance to this arms show.

The calendar of activities is included below:

We also note that a camp has been established outside the ExCeL London convention centre where DSEI is taking place.

As we prepare for #ShutDownCANSEC at the EY Centre in Ottawa on May 29-30, 2024, we take inspiration and lessons from these #StopDSEI actions.

Photo: This year’s protest against CANSEC in Ottawa.

More photos from the protest against CANSEC this year from World Beyond War here.