Sadiq Khan today demanded the axing of Britain’s biggest arms fair because it offends asylum seekers and is ‘inappropriate’ during Israel‘s Gaza campaign.
The London mayor hit out at the DSEI event being held from September 9-12, insisting the capital should not be used as a ‘marketplace for those who wish to trade in weapons’.
He argued that the city is ‘home to thousands of people who have fled conflict and suffered as a result of weapons like those exhibited at this event’.
The intervention was dismissed by defence industry insiders, who stressed they were helping protect people who are under ‘ceaseless attack from our enemies’.
The UK Government has already caused a backlash by barring Israeli officials from the event over growing concern about the war in Gaza.
A spokesman for Sir Sadiq said today: ‘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.
Sadiq Khan today demanded the axing of Britain’s biggest arms fair because it offends asylum seekers and is ‘inappropriate’ during Israel ‘s Gaza campaign
The London mayor hit out at the DSEI event being held from September 9-12, insisting the capital should not be used as a ‘marketplace for those who wish to trade in weapons’ (file p[icture)
‘The Mayor has previously written to both the organisers and ExCel to remind them that 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 continues to urge them to reconsider hosting the fair in London in the future.’
The spokesman added that the event was ‘inappropriate given Israel’s ongoing military operation in Gaza’.
A defence industry insider told the Daily Mail: ‘It’s just another boring Sadiq intervention on major national issues while he refuses to address concerns in London.
‘While knife crime in London has risen by 54 per cent since he’s taken office, he’s decided to focus on the people who are working day-in day-out… ensuring the lives of Ukrainians and other allies who are under ceaseless attack from our enemies are protected from meaningless violence.’
Defence analyst Francis Tusa told ITV News: ‘It’s two years after the last show, he said pretty much the same thing last time.
‘So it’s a stuck record, a bit of student politicking. Not very serious.
‘I think he’s showing his naivety.
‘If he talks about refugees and wars he should go and speak to some of the Ukrainian refugees who are in London and ask them whether we should be spending more on defence equipment, especially to provide to Ukraine.
‘I think he will get a very robust answer.’
The decision to bar Israeli officials from DSEI, announced last week, does not cover representatives of Israeli defence contractors, who will be allowed to attend.
‘The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong,’ the UK Government said in a statement.
‘As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025.’
In July Keir Starmer announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state unless Israel takes steps to end the crisis in Gaza, agrees a ceasefire with Hamas and commits to a long-term peace agreement.
Britain previously barred sales to Israel of any arms that could be used in the nearly 23-month war in Gaza (file picture)
Britain previously barred sales to Israel of any arms that could be used in the nearly 23-month war in Gaza.
Israel’s Ministry of Defense said the decision was based on politics and ‘serves extremists’.
‘These restrictions amount to a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination against Israel’s representatives,’ the Ministry said.
