CAAT - THIS is NOT OK

Issues

Ne'ma, Cairo, October 2011 (Picture: Maggie Osama on Flickr)
Saudi Arabia used UK-made armoured vehicles in Bahrain
Libya, August 2011. (Picture: Jeroen Oerlemans/Panos)
Gaza, December 2008. (Picture: Mohammad Rujailah)

The UK government claims it has a "responsible" attitude to arms sales. Yet it spends public money on persuading some of the world's worst human rights abusers and most unstable regimes to buy weapons. This is NOT OK

While UK weapons were being used against civilians in Libya, a government department and David Cameron were promoting weapons sales in the Middle East. This is NOT OK.

In 2011, the government helped organise a massive arms fair, DSEi, in London. Thousands of arms sellers and buyers from across the globe gathered to deal in death. Clarion Events, the private company that owns the arms fair, says that the arms fair is supported by the government, so it must be OK. DSEi is due to return in 2013.

Add your voice to help us send a strong message to the government and Clarion Events that

After UK weapons were used in Libya and Bahrain, we took a 4000-strong petition to Downing Street. Help us boost the numbers for each of its next stops: Vince Cable, former arms trade critic; Lord Green, who set aside his moral objections to arms sales to become Trade Minister; London's mayoral candidates; Party conferences, and more!

Together, we can end government support for the arms trade and end the arms fair. Whether you have 2 minutes or 2 hours, take action with us.

1 minute: Sign the petition to say This is NOT OK.
1 more minute: Share the petition by email or on Twitter or Facebook. Or order our This is NOT OK leaflets to give to friends and family.
2 minutes: Email your MP about arms sales to the Middle East. It takes just two minutes with our template letter. If you have a few more minutes, please personalise it to make your action even more effective.
15 minutes: Reply to your MP - We've provided suggested responses and up-to-date news to help.
30 minutes - 3 hours: Get on the the streets Order posters, leaflets and resources. Borrow a CAAT tablecloth. Have a look at our top tips for planning a street stall, and have a think about ways to make your stall have visual impact.
2 hours + Plan an action. Need inspiration? This year, anti-arms trade campaigners have shut down the Business Department, stepped up the pressure on Vince Cable, visited Number 10 and staged a die-in on the steps of the Treasury.

We can help!

CAAT can:

Link you up with other CAAT supporters in your area and publicise announcements on our website and email lists.
Provide posters and materials, and may be able to cover some of the costs.
Offer you advice on planning an action and research information.
Support you to get media coverage for your action.

Email Anne-Marie or call the office to let us know what you're planning or to talk through your ideas.