Khan: It’s inappropriate to stage London arms fair during Gaza war

Sadiq Khan has voiced his opposition to the staging of a major arms fair in London later this month which he says is “inappropriate” given Israel’s ongoing military action in Gaza.

The London mayor had previously written to organisers of the DSEI event at the capital’s ExCel to remind them that the capital is home to thousands of people who have fled conflict and suffered as a result of weapons like those exhibited at this event.

Last week it emerged that the UK had prevented an Israeli government delegation from attending DSEI UK 2025 in response to the decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza.

Despite the ban, Israeli defence firms will still be allowed to exhibit at the trade show, which will take place from 9 to 12 September.

A spokesman for Khan said: “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.

“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’.

DSEI is Britain’s flagship defence trade show – taking place every two years in London’s Docklands – with hundreds of defence firms from all over the world exhibiting their military hardware and technology.

It is backed by the government, which also invites foreign officials to attend.

Israel’s defence ministry said the UK’s decision on this year’s event “introduces political considerations wholly inappropriate for a professional defence industry exhibition”.