Tom Barns

4 posts

A group of people stand with banners saying 'BDS is here to stay' in front of red smoke

Security & Policing: the public face of an increasingly repressive nation

The government is capitalising on public fear to hold back peaceful dissent in the UK and deepen its ties to repressive regimes around the world. In liberal-democracies like the UK, conservative state powers face a potential barrier: how can they advance militarist agendas, and hold back effective protest movements that challenge their power, whilst still...

A crowd of protesters block vehicle from entering DSEI

Round up: an amazing week of action to challenge the arms fair!

17 September 2015

This September saw daily blockades and creative protest by a wide range of groups to try and stop one of the world’s biggest arms fairs from taking place in East London. Read reports on actions taken so far below: Monday 7 September: Day 1: week of action launched with a blockade! Tuesday 8 September: Day 2: armoured...

Arms fair blocked! Report on Saturday’s big day of action

12 September 2015

Following five days of disruption to the set up of DSEI, Saturday 12th September brought together the different themes from throughout the week, and a huge range of groups and individuals, to stand united against the arms fair. It was a packed day of workshops, speeches, performance, and effective action. There was far too much activity...

Day 5: Freedom of movement for people NOT weapons

11 September 2015

On Friday, our day of action brought together numerous groups to show solidarity with refugees and to explore the links between the arms trade, migration and institutional racism. In the wake of the current crisis in Calais, we wanted to show its unacceptable that instead of welcoming refugees, our government is welcoming arms dealers – the...