On the morning of September 3, anti-war activists blocked access roads to the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport, where the large-scale Defence Security Resilience Cymru arms industry forum was taking place.
Representatives of peace, environmental and human rights organisations joined the protest alongside local residents. Eight protesters used their bodies to block the roads, risking arrest.
The protest was prompted by the Welsh Government’s involvement in organising the forum together with the industry association ADS Group and arms manufacturer General Dynamics Land Systems. More than 2,000 attendees and over 60 companies were expected to participate.
The protesters’ central demand is that public money should support life and peace instead of expanding the arms industry.
The activists are calling for investment in renewable energy, affordable housing, public transport, healthcare and the restoration of social services. In their view, a sustainable future cannot be built on permanent wars and continually rising military expenditure.