Friends prepare for DSEI 2023
‘We are preparing ourselves and strengthening our community to build a creative, vibrant and radical Quaker response.'
As Friends began gathering to discuss their campaigns against the Defence Security Equipment and International (DSEI) arms fair in autumn, the group Quaker Roots has highlighted news that British arms companies are reportedly planning to sell weapons in Ukraine. According to the Telegraph, chief executives are said to be meeting with their counterparts in Kiev to discuss starting joint ventures to manufacture weapons and military vehicles under licences.
Peace campaigners criticised the plans, with the Peace Pledge Union – which has many Quakers as members – saying the prospect brings the UK ‘perilously close to direct participation in the war’.
The DSEI arms fair happens every two years, with Friends gathering to peacefully witness against the arms trade. At the last event in September 2021, around 100 Quakers joined Stop the Arms Fair protests. Friends laid themselves out in the rain to stop people from attending the event, sang peace songs and glued themselves together. No Friends were arrested unlike in 2019 when around forty were arrested and hundreds took part.
The group says: ‘We are preparing ourselves and strengthening our community to build a creative, vibrant and radical Quaker response… we are currently looking at supporting a Faith Day of Action during the set-up of the arms fair, working with others on a Peace Pilgrimage, and witnessing as the arms fair begins.’
Two sessions took place over January and February, with a ‘Know Your Rights’ session on 15 March. This will include updates to legislation, such as the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, and Public Order Bill.
