Voluntary Sector: Taking Action ... Stop the Arms Fair Coalition vs the Government and DSEi

Target: The Government and DSEi

Location: ExCel Centre, east London

Date: 13 September

The lowdown

Campaigners from the Stop the Arms Fair Coalition demonstrated outside the Government-sponsored DSEi exhibition. They carried placards, sang and staged a mock arms supermarket in protest.

Why the protest?

DSEi, the world's largest arms fair, is part-funded by the Government and attended by ministers. The coalition says it wants to 'shame' the Government for sponsoring what it describes as a 'disgusting event' that champions the supply of British arms to countries accused of human rights offences.

How did the Government respond?

Defence Secretary Liam Fox stressed that action had been taken to tighten restrictions on exports that could go on to be used to repress citizens. 'Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are mandatory considerations for all export licence applications,' he said. 'The UK's export licensing regime is among the toughest in the world and through this system we will ensure we continue to back responsible exports, while upholding our values.'

How did the media cover it?

The protest was covered in national newspapers including The Guardian, The Independent and The Daily Telegraph. It was also reported online by Channel 4 News and on campaigning websites including Demotix.