Quakers protest human cost of arms trade
Quakers are protesting outside a huge arms fair in east London which is going ahead despite appalled opposition from the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
UPDATE: Several Quakers were arrested on Thursday, 7 September, during Meeting for Worship at No Faith in War Day.
As truckloads of equipment arrived at the ExCel Centre on Thursday, Quakers worshipped in silence with others of all faiths and none for No Faith in War Day.
The arms fair, a get-together for 2,800 defence and security suppliers and representatives of human-rights abusing nations, will take place from 12-15 September.
The Mayor of London has written previously to the organisers and ExCel, reminding them that London is home to thousands who have fled conflict and suffered as a result of weapons like those displayed and sold at DSEI.
Groups of Quakers have travelled from across Britain to support a week of nonviolent action at the Defence and Security Equipment International arms fair (DSEI), including candle-lit vigils and meetings for worship.
Quakers believe that there is that of God in everyone, so killing or maiming people is not morally justifiable, even in times of war, and neither is the trade in arms.
The UK is one of the biggest exporters of arms globally, including to repressive regimes and those suspected of violating international humanitarian law.
It has sold billions of pounds worth of arms to Saudi Arabia, which has waged war in Yemen killing many civilians and creating a humanitarian crisis.
By standing in silent protest at DSEI, Quakers challenge the notion that such conflicts are unrelated to the UK, showing how events at the Excel Centre are deeply linked to events in Yemen.
Quakers believe conflict can be addressed through the creative use of peaceful methods including conflict prevention, diplomacy and peacebuilding, rather than the use of arms.
The ExCel Centre is owned and operated by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, headquartered in Abu Dhabi.