Sir Sadiq Khan is “appalled” by an arms fair taking place in London next week in light of the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, the Mayor’s office has said.
The Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition, due to take place at ExCel London, attracts military buyers and defence contractors from across the world.
However, the Mayor of London has taken issue with the capital being used as a “marketplace for those who wish to trade in weapons” when the capital hosts thousands of people who fled armed conflicts.
His office also said it was “inappropriate” for the fair to take place given Israel’s ongoing military operation in Gaza, which has killed more than 60,000 people.
A spokesperson for Sir Sadiq said: “The Mayor is completely opposed to this event taking place in London and is appalled that the capital is being used as a marketplace for those who wish to trade in weapons.
“London is home to thousands of people who have fled conflict and suffered as a result of weapons like those exhibited at this event – and he continues to urge organisers to reconsider hosting the fair in the future.”
The Mayor has consistently spoken out against London hosting the biennial DSEI event, telling the London Assembly in 2021: “It is a matter of public record that I am strongly opposed to this event taking place in London.
"London is a global city, which is home to many people who have fled conflict and suffered as a consequence of the appropriation of weapons like those exhibited at DSEI.
“For it to be used as a marketplace for those who wish to trade in weapons to some countries that contribute to human rights abuses goes completely against our values.
“Given the significant opposition that exists and the local disruption this event causes I have written to both ExCel and the event organiser strongly urging them not to hold this event at ExCel in the future.”
The four-day show, which opens on 9 September, features both private companies and national delegations.
Last week the British government banned Israeli officials from attending the event, which is organised by a private company, Clarion Defence & Security, and backed by the British government and the military.
At the time, a UK government spokesperson said: “The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong. As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025.”
Israeli defence companies, such as Elbit Systems, Rafael, IAI and Uvision, will be able to attend, however.
Earlier this week, London Assembly Members Caroline Russell and Zoë Garbett were seen sitting in the road outside the ExCel centre to kick off two weeks of Green party protests against the fair.
Earlier this week, London Assembly Members Caroline Russell and Zoë Garbett were seen sitting in the road outside the ExCel centre to kick off two weeks of Green party protests against the fair.
They were joined on the road – where weapons, armoured vehicles and drones will be delivered – by a Dalek dressed as an arms dealer, complete with tie, briefcase and lanyard.
Protesters have continued to camp out near the venue in Docklands as the start date approaches.
Emily Apple, from the Campaign Against Arms Trade, said: “Newham is no place for this arms fair. This is a diverse community. There are so many people that are fleeing from the wars that these arms have created, and it is absolutely abhorrent that it’s taking place.
“I mean, I would argue that it shouldn’t take place anywhere, but it definitely shouldn’t be taking place in Newham.”
However, London Assembly Member Unmesh Desai (Labour party), who represents the area where the event is being held, said: “I’ve got no issues with it being held locally – they’ll just go somewhere else. It’s not weapons that are the problem – it’s foreign policy.
“No one wants war anywhere – but it’s about challenging decisions through democratic systems. We also need jobs from the defence industry – if we don’t hold it here, they’ll go somewhere else and we’ll lose those jobs.”
The organisers of the fair and the ExCel centre were contacted for comment.
