Anti-Trident protesters blockade world’s biggest arms fair in London Anti-Trident protesters blockaded the ExCel London exhibition centre and tried to create an makeshift peace garden ahead of the world’s […]

Anti-Trident protesters blockaded the ExCel London exhibition centre and tried to create an makeshift peace garden ahead of the world’s largest arms fair.

Delegates from countries across the globe including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, international armed forces and the world’s 10 biggest arms companies are set to gather at the Defence and Security Equipment International event which starts on 12 September.

Our taxpayers’ money is being used to arm those involved in wars and repression. The i newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription. Angie Zelter, Trident Ploughshares

The Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon and the International Trade Secretary Liam Fox will be among speakers at the four-day event for buyers and sellers of military equipment, along with the chiefs of staff of the British armed forces.

Thousands of protesters are expected to take action in the days leading up to the conference.

A Met Police spokesman said a total of 25 people were arrested at the centre this morning for offences including obstructing the highway.

Trident Ploughshares said six of its members were arrested as they blocked an entrance to the centre in Docklands, east London.

Trident Ploughshares aged from 27 to 71 locked on to each other using plastic tubes and prevented traffic carrying materials for the event from entering the centre for 90 minutes.

Margaret Bremner, 63, from the group said: “The sale of arms shows that the value of money is being put before people’s lives. We must campaign for dignity, respect, peace and justice in our world.”

A campaign called Stop the Arms Fair is aiming to stop weapons from arriving at the centre.

Nuclear weapons

Trident Ploughshares said its action this morning was aimed at highlighting the “involvement of the world’s biggest arms manufacturers in production operation and maintenance of Britain’s nuclear weapons”.

Angie Zelter of Trident Ploughshares said: “Our taxpayers’ money is being used to arm those involved in wars and repression.”

On Monday, another group of six protesters including a Methodist clergywoman were arrested outside the centre, according to thet Campaign Against the Arms Trade, as they stepped out in front of a lorry.

More than 1,600 makers and sellers of weapons and military equipment will exhibit at the event, which will include “a range of exciting showcases and demonstrations” according to the event website.