Wales: Peace activists protest at arms fair

Welsh peace activists at the government-sponsored arms fair in Newport yesterday.

A Government sponsored arms fair is taking place in Newport, South Wales, from 3-4 September. Called the 'Defence Security Resilience Cymru Summit' it is being held at the International Convention Centre at The Celtic Manor.

Protest organisers say that: "Welsh public money is being used to co-organise an event bringing together arms companies and the military industry. Among those involved is General Dynamics, a major arms company connected to Israel's military supply chain. BAE Systems, another major arms manufacturer supplying Israel, will also be exhibiting.

"The Welsh Government cannot claim neutrality while public money helps facilitate an arms fair involving companies profiting from the global arms trade.

We are calling on the Welsh Government to cancel the event and end its support for the arms trade."

About 60 peace activists, from a number of organisations across Wales, gathered with banners on the approach road early this morning

Heather, who represented Mid Wales Against Arms and Christians for Palestine, reports: "A very successful protest at the Newport (Welsh Government sponsored) arms fair. The Mid Wales Against Arms flag was on the bridge along with many other flags and banners. There were peace activists taking part from across Wales, representing many different groups.

"We started at 8am and blockaded the road bridge to the ICC from 9am. Seven brave people laid down in the road and "locked on".

"The blockade lasted for about 2.5 hours, until 11.30 am when the police unlocked and arrested those who were lying in the road.

There were songs for peace, speeches and chanting. Sadly, none of the invited MSs (Members of the Senedd) attended to speak.

The protest was entirely peaceful but there were four arrests and the site was subject to a Section 14 order once the blockade began. It seems that selling arms to fuel a genocide is not a crime and no arms dealers suffered arrest.

"We are home and safe but those arrested are still being detained and so far have not been allowed to call a solicitor, the back office or a family member. Please hold them in your prayers."

Cardiff Stop the War Coalition commented: "Today we protested the Welsh Government Arms Fair, co-organised with General Dynamics, an arms company supplying Israel.

"The Welsh Government wants Wales to capture the 'benefits' of the enormous increase in UK military spending by expanding the arms industry here.

"But when increased UK military expenditure is likely to be funded by austerity cuts to public services, social security benefits, climate spending and mass job losses is this really what we need.

"Wales should be using its industrial capacity and skilled workforce to build a peaceful, sustainable economy, not making itself increasingly dependent on arms production."

Campaigners report that activists arrested were finally released by police at 1.45am today. Seven out of the eight people who were arrested have been charged. They have also been banned from Newport and police have issued section 14 notices for all bridges in Newport! (Begs the question how can they get home without crossing bridges?). No arms dealers have been arrested or charged: it seems that trading arms is ok but peacefully demonstrating against the arms trade is not.

Ann Farr is from Pax Christi England and Wales, Working Group for Justice in Palestine and Israel.