Tank the Arms Fair - day of action (London)

Tank the Arms Fair is a big day of action to resist and disrupt the opening of DSEI, one of the world's biggest arms fairs, in London. The Peace Pledge Union is one of many groups in the Stop the Arms Fair coalition.

This day of action will predominantly take place at the *west* entrance to the arms fair (nearest station Royal Victoria DLR) on its opening day, as state and military delegations from over 100 countries arrive to browse the weaponry on sale – from guns to bombs to fighter jets and warships – to listen to keynote speakers, to be entertained by live action demos in the Royal Victoria Dock, and most of all to network and make deals.

Head straight to the site from 8am as the day begins with a remembrance ceremony for all victims of war, organised by the Peace Pledge Union, and the laying of a wreath of white poppies at the gates of the arms fair.  Alternatively, meet Trident Ploughshares, Mad Hatters and Veterans for Peace – joined by renowned fashion designer Vivienne Westwood – at Stratford Station (*not* Stratford International) to walk to the site, talking to East Londoners they pass along the way about the huge arms fair taking place on their doorstep.
 
On site there will be speakers including Vivienne Westwood, Yemeni-British activist and ex-soldier Ahmed al-Babati, Sayed Ahmed Al Wadaei from the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD), Kate Hudson from CND and speakers talking about the Boycott Turkey – Defend Kurdistan! and #StopElbit campaigns.
 
There will be a Quaker Meeting for Worship, a dabke dance workshop and performance from Hawiyya, music from musicians including Raised Voices, Paul Steele and Spannertate, poetry from Mizan the Poet, crafts, banner-making and much more.
 
Friends of Al-Aqsa will host a creative gallery designed to capture the destruction caused in Gaza by Israeli weapons from 3pm, followed by a #StopArmingIsrael demonstration at 6pm to protest the attendance of Israeli arms companies at DSEI.

Other events to resist DSEI will continue beyond the day of action. You can find out many more details on the website of the Stop the Arms Fair coaliton.
 
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Information about transport to the site and accessibility.  If you need to know information that is not currently on this page, or to let us know about an access need, get in touch at resistDSEI@protonmail.com.

We urge those coming to any action to be COVID-safe, to protect our community and make this protest accessible to all.  Please take a test before coming, bring sanitiser and respect those who want to social distance.  Bring your own water bottle and mugs to get drinks on site!

Information about your legal rights on protests.  Take the time to learn your rights before attending the week of action, for your own protection and the protection of those around you.

***IMPORTANT***

It is crucial that everyone joining this wonderful week of resistance adheres to the Stop the Arms Fair Safer Spaces Policy.  Green and Black Cross will be coordinating legal observers throughout the week of action.

When
September 14th, 2021 from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Location
West Gate
Excel Centre
(next to Royal Victoria DLR station)
Seagull Lane
London, E16 1GB
United Kingdom
Contact
Phone: 020 7424 9444
Email:
Email:
Events Information
Organisation Name Stop the Arms Fair