Last night London remembered the victims of state violence
- Text by Theo McInnes
- Photography by Theo McInnes
Have you heard of the “Security and Policing” event that takes place every year in Britain? It’s no surprise that you haven’t, given it occurs in what the UK Home Office describe as a “discreet environment”. Every year, this governmental department invites an array of private defence companies to come together under one roof, from experts in tank bullets to manufacturers of the latest surveillance software.
As the Home Office states, “the event enables exhibitors to display products which would be too sensitive to show in a more open environment”. Their unique selling point, according to the website, is “the participation of UK government”.
This year a modest 359 exhibitors set up shop at venues around the quaint English town of Farnborough to showcase, demonstrate and sell their sensitive products. Law enforcement, border forces and other state agencies all received an invite to the occasion, although it’s not just an event for the Brits. The British state also invites foreign governments to take a look, with Saudi, Israeli, Bahraini and Qatari delegates all attending this year.
In London last night activists gathered in London to protest the event, unimpressed by the state sanctioned showcase of British misery-tech. On the penultimate day of the exposition, HUCK went down to meet the protestors outside the Home Office speaking out.
Kat Hobbs – Campaign Against the Arms Trade
Cerie Bullivan
Gordon (London Palestine Action)
Kirsten Bays – Stop The Arms Fair
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