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Firms ejected from arms fair

Two companies have been ejected from an arms fair in east London for promoting illegal torture weapons.

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Two companies ejected from arms fair in east London

Two companies have been ejected from the arms fair in east London for promoting illegal torture weapons. The firms are:

  • French firm, MagForce International
  • Chinese company, Tianjin MyWay International Trading

The action came after Green Party MP Caroline Lucas raised the issue in the House of Commons. The companies were promoting handheld projectile electric shock weapons, weighted leg cuffs, and stun batons, according to the website of Caroline Lucas.

No items can be bought and sold at DSEI. However, in displaying this marketing literature, Tianjin MyWay International Trading Co. and Magforce International have broken British law.

– DSEI arms fair statement

Latest defence gear showcased at arms fair

The world's largest, and most controversial arms fair opened its doors in London today, showcasing the latest defence technology.

The threat of U.S military action in Syria hangs heavy over this year's event, with protesters saying London has a moral duty not to host the exhibition. From there our Political Correspondent Simon Harris reports.

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Your views: Arms fair hosted at London's ExCel

You've been telling us what you think about London's ExCel Centre hosting an arms fair. You can join the debate now by tweeting us @itvlondon or going to our Facebook page.

Sharon Irvine I can't even find the words to describe both the anger and resignation I feel about this and most of the other things the government is allowing to fuel hatred, discrimination and destruction.

James Sarah Kelliher-Ingram Somewhere will host it. It brings in money for the country so why not does not effect us?

Matthew Waite Oh get over it. It is an entirely controlled event and people are intrigued by them. If anything it's educational.

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Protester: 'the deals done here fuel death and repression'

Sarah Waldron of the Campaign Against the Arms Trade claimed that the event would welcome "some of the most authoritarian regimes in the world".

She said:

"The deals done here fuel death, injury, fear and repression - yet instead of banning it, the Government helps make it happen.

"We are here to resist it, to stand in solidarity with the people facing the deadly consequences of its weapons and do what we can to stop this obscene event continuing."

Arms fair 'complies with international laws'

A spokesman for DSEI said:

We recognise and respect the right to protest and we plan for these scenarios in advance....While the police monitor and manage protests, it is DSEI's function to go ahead with organising and carrying out a highly regulated event, complying with international laws and treaties.

We are delighted that this year's event encompasses a full range of defence and security equipment, including that which is designed to tackle humanitarian disasters, address food shortages and mass displacement of people, counter terrorism measures and cyber security.

Protest outside arms fair

Anti-war protesters have set up camp outside an arms fair, being held at London's ExCel centre.

The DSEI event is described as the world's largest fully integrated defence and security exhibition, with nearly 30,000 visitors and 1,500 exhibitors.

Tents have been erected outside the event. Credit: Simon Harris/ITN
Protesters have accused the arms fair of "warmongering". Credit: Simon Harris/ITN
Event organisers say that they respect the right to protest. Credit: ITN
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