Some of the world’s most sophisticated and hi-tech weaponry was showcased at controversial arms convention in London today.
Rocket launchers, armoured transport vehicles and assault rifles made up just a fraction of the huge arsenal at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) event.
And showing off those munitions were more than 1,600 exhibitors from 54 countries.
But the event has been surrounded in controversy — with Scotland Yard confirming officers arrested 100 protesters seeking to block access to the ExCel centre in London’s Docklands.
Rocket launchers, armoured transport vehicles, assault rifles made up just a fraction of the huge arsenal at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) event. Pictured is a ‘ARTEC GmbH Boxer’ DSEI Arms Fair
But the event has been surrounded in controversy — with Scotland Yard confirming officers arrested 100 protesters seeking to block access to the ExCel centre in London’s Docklands
Two military officers walking past an exhibit of ammunition and armour DSEI Arms Fair, Excel Centre, London. And showing off those munitions were more than 1,600 exhibitors from 54 countries
International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has defended Britain’s multibillion-pound arms export industry, warning that if countries were unable to acquire the weapons they needed legally there would be an eruption of unregulated sales.
Speaking at the opening day of the world’s biggest arms fair in London, Dr Fox said the UK had one of the most sophisticated export licensing regimes in the world, designed to ensure that British-made weaponry was not used to endanger international security.
At the same time, he stressed overseas governments had an ‘inalienable right’ to defend themselves and that if they could not buy the equipment they required from developed countries with effective controls, like the UK, they would look elsewhere.
A visitor to the convention holds up a rifle. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has defended Britain’s multibillion-pound arms export industry, warning that if countries were unable to acquire the weapons they needed legally there would be an eruption of unregulated sales
Speaking at the opening day of the world’s biggest arms fair in London, Dr Fox said the UK had one of the most sophisticated export licensing regimes in the world. Pictured: Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy testing a Flight Helmet simulator
In his opening address Dr Fox acknowledged there were ‘inherent risks’ involved in the arms export industry, but said the Government was committed to ensuring that sales from the UK were lawful.
A member of the Bahrain military speaks with exhibitors at the convention in London’s Docklands today. Some of the world’s most sophisticated and hi-tech weaponry was showcased at controversial arms
A visitor testing a Saab virtual reality rocket launcher simulator. Dr Fox’s comments came amid fresh calls from campaigners for Britain to end sales to Saudi Arabia
Dr Fox added: ‘The UK hosts one of the most highly-sophisticated, structured and multi-faceted export licensing regimes in the world. At the same time they are not designed to hinder trade or prohibit exports’
His comments came amid fresh calls from campaigners for Britain to end sales to Saudi Arabia, following claims that UK armaments are fuelling the civil war in Yemen, where Saudi forces are supporting the government in its struggle against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.
In his opening address Dr Fox acknowledged there were ‘inherent risks’ involved in the arms export industry, but said the Government was committed to ensuring that sales from the UK were lawful.
‘The UK hosts one of the most highly-sophisticated, structured and multi-faceted export licensing regimes in the world. At the same time they are not designed to hinder trade or prohibit exports,’ he said.
But campaigners claim that UK armaments are fuelling the civil war in Yemen, where Saudi forces are supporting the government in its struggle against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels
Convention visitors speak with a representative at the arms conventions today and examine a range of pistol and show at the event
A visitor inspects a range of pistols on show at the controversial arms show. Dr Fox claimed that if countries were unable to acquire the weapons they needed legally there would be an eruption of unregulated sales
A man breaks off to make a phone call behind a missile on show at the arms convention. More than 100 protesters were arrested in the run-up to the show
Dr Fox said: ‘If nations and peoples have an inalienable right to look after their own defence, those of us from advanced economies must remember that if we do not provide countries with means of defending themselves, then we will see a proliferation of uncontrolled and unregulated arms sales free from oversight or inhibitions’
A variety of one firm’s weapons are mounted on the way for the convention. The UK generates billions of pounds every year in arms sales, but critics argue they can fall into the hands of heavy-handed governments
‘Rather they are robust safety measures to allow ethical defences exports to flourish, protected by a licensing system to ensure exports are rational and lawful and which guarantees that we do not in the process violate international law, create tensions, promote terrorism or endanger global security.
‘If nations and peoples have an inalienable right to look after their own defence, those of us from advanced economies must remember that if we do not provide countries with means of defending themselves, then we will see a proliferation of uncontrolled and unregulated arms sales free from oversight or inhibitions.
‘To allow such a situation to develop would be vastly irresponsible.