Reed Elsevier announces it is to get out of the arms trade

It was announced on Friday 1st June 2007 that Reed Elsevier will pull out of the arms trade and will no longer organise arms fairs around the world. The decision follows a high-profile campaign, coordinated by CAAT, which highlighted the incompatibility of Reed's involvement in the arms trade and their position as the number one publisher of medical and science journals and other publications.

CAAT welcomes the decision and applauds the board of Reed Elsevier for recognising the concerns of its stakeholders. The decision shows that the arms trade is an abhorrent activity and that it has no place within a reputable business. More >>

MoD pushes UK weapons in India

Government Arms Dealer: Lord Drayson

The MoD again promoted UK arms sales at the Aero India Arms fair, which took place in Bangalore in February 2007. The British government's presence at Indian arms fairs is traditional, with Lord Drayson having led a delegation to the DefExpo in January 2006. The organisers of the UK Farnborough International airshow were asked to assist by the Indian Ministry of Defence.

An online petition has been launched for residents and organisations in Newham to stop DSEi coming back in 2007. More >>

DESO is the UK government's arms sales unit and plays a major role in pushing UK arms exports, including at international and UK Arms Fairs. More >>

ITEC 2006

In May 2006 the ExCel Centre in London played host to yet another arms fair organised by Reed Elsevier. More >>