I am currently attending the ITEC training conference in the Amsterdam and have once again had to walk past a number of protestors at the main entrance screaming abuse at me. For the third morning running I have stopped and tried to engage them in conversation and explain why I and my colleagues from various rail organisations are attending this important conference on rail safety. Regretfully the protestors suddenly lose their ability to speak English when anyone tries to provide the truth about the event (even one who comes from the UK !)

Yes there are military companies her (although they probably comprose no more than 20% of those attending) but it is those same military companies who are leading the industry in rail training - what should we do, ignore the benefits this will offer to rail safety ?

To those who label us all as "Death dealers" and "Arms selling scum" I would suggest you do your research first and discover the reality of these events and while you are at it try talking to the people who are attending them and discovering who they are and why they are there.

Perhaps you could think about it when you are on the (safe) train on the way home ?