The Plan
With new horrors of starvation and death in Gaza reported daily, compassionate people want immediate action, but moral pressure on the government is not working fast enough, if at all.
The intention is to gather together as many people as possible on Tuesday, 9 September at the western entrance of the Excel Centre in east London, on the opening day of one of the world’s largest arms fairs, DSEi 2025.
It is here where the defence industry, the military and politicians rub shoulders, where Israel has a pavilion and where the British government has always invited an official Israeli government delegation. Elbit Systems is a regular participant.
DSEi offers an opportunity to target a problem – Britain’s complicity in genocide – at its source. That is why a coalition of groups is calling for a mass blockade of the event on 9 September, the first day that delegates arrive, to make it impossible for the networking and deal-making that props up the arms trade to continue without serious disruption.
Shutting down DSEi completely would require thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of people to join a blockade. It is an ambitious demand. Protests at previous DSEi arms fairs in recent years have involved many acts of civil disobedience in advance of the event, although they have never reached this level of participation.
But if this isn’t the time for action, then when is?
What’s the plan?
More than anything, a blockade needs people to attend. Lots of people. With the arms fair starting early, it means turning up early too, from 08.00.
The meeting place at 08.00 is outside London City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, London E16 1ZE
This is close to the Western Gateway entrace to Excel London (see the map below).
Other than that, different groups have different plans. Some may bring pots and pans to bang, as protesters did outside of Downing Street in July. Others plan silent vigils.
It’s up to you how you decide to protest against Britain’s arms trade and its profiteering from the slaughter of Palestinians and other civilians around the world.
What matters is that you are there.
Where is DSEI?
DSEI starts on 9 September at
Excel London
One Western Gateway
Royal Victoria Dock
London E16 1XL
