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Protesters gathered outside a building in Fulham during the Monday (July 25) morning rush hour to protest at an arms fair set to take place later this year.

They met outside the offices of Defence Security Equipment International (DSEI), which is holding its event at the ExCel Centre in Newham, from September 12-15.

They daubed "War Starts Here" in massive letters on the pavement, with an arrow pointing towards the DSEI building on Fulham High Street.

The demonstration also targeted Clarion Events, based in the same building, which is organising the event .

According to the DSEI website, the show in September is a “world leading event that brings together the global defence and security sector to innovate and share knowledge.”

(Image: UGC TMS)

It goes on to say: “DSEI represents the entire supply chain on an unrivalled scale.

“Attend DSEI 2017 to develop relationships with an audience of over 34,000 including Defence Ministers, International Military and Armed Forces, key industry players and private sector companies.”

Ellis Brooks is part of a growing group within the capital determined to stop the event taking place, and was among a group of around 10 people who took part in the demonstration.

He said the event would be attended by countries with poor human rights records, such as Saudi Arabia, Israel and Columbia.

He said: “There were Green Party members, London Catholic Workers and Quakers there, and what united us was concern as citizens that the arms industry was orchestrating such a massive event in London without regulation or condemnation.

(Image: UGC TMS)

“We know that there are human rights-abusing regimes invited to this event but its behind closed doors.

“It’s being held at tax payers’ expense and with very little scrutiny.”

He said the protest included Clarion Events as it was organising the event.

“This is the kind of event which exacerbates problems around the world” he continued. “Our human rights abuses, torture and refugee crises start from events like this and its being organised from this little office in Fulham.

“A weapons supermarket for despots isn’t welcome in London. That’s not what this city is about

“We want people in Putney and Fulham to be aware that this monstrous event is being orchestrated from their doorstep.

“The chalk on the road will wash away, but the stain of the DSEI arms fair on London and the world is indelible”

Diana McCann, chair of Wandsworth Green Party , said: “The UK is the world’s second biggest arms dealer.

“Our arms industry far exceeds our own defence needs. We sell to 22 of the 30 countries on the Government’s own human rights watch list.

“I believe trade should not mean sacrificing our ethics and I think most UK citizens would stand with us on that moral principle.’

The demonstrators handed out about 500 leaflets between 7am and 9am. Mr Brooks continued: “It was a busy time for the Tube station and bus stop. We had some great conversations with members of the public as well.”

London mayor Sadiq Khan has previously said: “The Defence and Security Equipment International arms fair is not an event that I support. ExCeL is a commercial space for hire.

“I am opposed to London being used as a market place for the trade of weapons to those countries that contribute to human rights abuses.

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A DSEI spokesperson told getwestlondon : “DSEI provides an effective platform for the British defence industry to demonstrate its products to potential overseas customers in a well-regulated environment which only serves legitimate companies and governments.

“All exhibitors at DSEI are required to ensure that all equipment, services, documentation and any other forms of promotion comply with UK, EU and international law.

“Ultimately it is government policy and UK export control legislation which determines who can exhibit at or attend DSEI.

“Official overseas delegations at DSEI are invited by the Department for International Trade.”

According to demonstrators:

DSEI is the largest arms fair in the world with 35,000 attendees. It will take place in London’s Docklands 12-15 September 2017



Roughly 1,500 exhibitors come to show-off weapons and arms



It is attended by trade visitors and military delegations, many from regimes and countries involved in active violent conflicts.



Delegations include Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Colombia – which also feature on the Foreign Office’s own list of “countries of concern” in the implementation of human rights



It is organised by Clarion Events, based at Putney Bridge, supported by the Government’s Defence & Security Organisation



DSEI takes place in a high security at the UK taxpayer’s expense

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