Mass Lobby to end the arms fair

What is a mass lobby?
What is the aim of the lobby?
How do I get involved?
What if I just turn up on the day?
Practical information about the London lobby

What is a Mass Lobby?

A mass lobby is when as many people as possible lobby as many MPs as possible - all at the same time. We'll be lobbying in the week of 13-16 September, which is when DSEi, one of the world's largest arms fairs, takes place in London. Arms fairs like DSEi are the life-blood of the arms trade - and DSEi couldn't happen without the support of the UK government - so it's vital we raise this issue with MPs.

Lobby your MP in Parliament as part of our Day of Action to Stop the Arms Fair on 13th September, or arrange a local meeting in your constituency.

What is the aim of the Lobby?

We want to talk to MPs about why the UK is still arming repressive regimes. There was public outcry when it emerged that the UK had provided weaponry to many of the regimes that have violently suppressed protest during the Arab Spring. Yet despite the scandal little has changed and the government is still arming repressive regimes today.

DSEi (Defence & Security Equipment International), one of the world's largest arms fairs and one of the sickest manifestations of the global arms trade, opens in London on 13 September. It couldn't happen without the support of the UK government.

We'll be gathered opposite Parliament to tell MPs that Arming repressive regimes and spending taxpayers' money on selling arms is NOT OK. It's time to end government support for the arms trade and close the DSEi arms fair.

How do I get involved?

Let us know you're interested in getting involved - either in London or locally.
Arrange a meeting with your MP. Use CAAT's 2 minute online template to do so now, or you can call their office via the House of Commons switchboard on 020 7219 3000 or write to to them at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. Explain that you want to talk about about the London arms fair, DSEi, and about the support the government gives to the arms trade. If you're attending the mass lobby, ask for a meeting on 13 September, betwen 11.30am and 2pm. If you're meeting locally ask for an appointment during the week of 12-16 September. See our template for an example.
Preparation: View our key messages for the day and how to deal with any tricky questions, or download our full lobbying guide as a PDF.
Attending your meeting: If you are meeting your MP inside the Houses of Parliament, you should allow half an hour to get through security. If your MP is coming to Old Palace Yard, you'll just need to make sure you're at our well-signposted meeting point a few minutes before your arranged time.

What if I just turn up on the day?

You'll receive a warm welcome! We'll be protesting from 11am until 2pm and lobbying until 4pm. We'll tell you if other people from your constituency are present so, if you wish, you can lobby together.

If there isn't a meeting already arranged with your MP, you can still lobby him or her, but you will have to wait until 2.30pm before you can enter the House of Commons to request a meeting. Anyone can ask to meet their MP by entering the House of Commons through the public entrance and going to the Central Lobby. Here you fill in a 'green card' and a member of House of Commons staff is sent off to try to track your MP down. If they are in the House of Commons they should agree to come and meet you. Even if they are not there, the card will be left, telling them what you came to lobby about - so they'll still feel the pressure. We'll have plenty of stewards around to help.

If at all, possible though, we do recommend you make an appointment in advance if you wish to lobby.

Practical details for the lobby in London

Timings: 11.30am to 4pm

Location: We'll be at Old Palace Yard, opposite the Houses of Parliament. See a map.

Public transport: Parliament's website has a good guide to arriving by public transport and disabled access. Check the Transport for London website for the latest travel information.

Coaches: Nearby drop-off points include Millbank, Albert Embankment, Victoria Embankment, Northumberland Avenue and Marsham Street.