Baby Show under fire over arms links
Symon Hill | 17.10.2008 17:13 | Anti-militarism | Culture | Health
Clarion Events, owners of the Baby Show which opens in London today, are facing a backlash against their involvement in the arms trade. One of their main sponsors has decided not to turn up, while many other exhibitors are voicing their opposition to Clarion's ownership of arms fairs.
As the Baby Show opened, one of its main sponsors, Bounty, confirmed that it would not be exhibiting at the Show. Unicef has pulled out of a deal with the Show that would have seen it receive donations based on ticket sales. The revenue lost to Unicef will be covered by Pampers. A range of other exhibitors have written to Clarion to express their disagreement with the company's decision to buy arms fairs earlier this year.
Clarion's ownership of arms fairs was brought to exhibitors' attention by the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) and by the freelance journalist Emily Apple.
CAAT spokesperson Symon Hill said:
"Clarion's boss Simon Kimble has been writing to Baby Show exhibitors to tell them that public opinion is not against the arms industry. Their own reaction has proved him wrong. Congratulations to those companies and customers who have stood up and said that the owners of the Baby Show should not be running arms fairs. Clarion is out of touch with public opinion. They can restore their reputation only by ending their involvement in the arms trade."
New mother Carrie Comfort, of south London, said:
"As a new mother, I'm very disappointed that the owners of the Baby Show, Clarion Events, are running arms fairs. I'm able to enjoy every tiny smile and step of my baby, while some other parent has lost their child as a result of the arms trade."
Clarion Events has bought five arms fairs this year, including the biennial London arms fair which operates under the name Defence Systems and Equipment International (DSEi). The previous owner Reed Elsevier sold the fair following criticism from their own customers and shareholders. Clarion's other exhibitions include the Spirit of Christmas Fair, due in London from 5th - 9th November.
Clarion's ownership of arms fairs was brought to exhibitors' attention by the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) and by the freelance journalist Emily Apple.
CAAT spokesperson Symon Hill said:
"Clarion's boss Simon Kimble has been writing to Baby Show exhibitors to tell them that public opinion is not against the arms industry. Their own reaction has proved him wrong. Congratulations to those companies and customers who have stood up and said that the owners of the Baby Show should not be running arms fairs. Clarion is out of touch with public opinion. They can restore their reputation only by ending their involvement in the arms trade."
New mother Carrie Comfort, of south London, said:
"As a new mother, I'm very disappointed that the owners of the Baby Show, Clarion Events, are running arms fairs. I'm able to enjoy every tiny smile and step of my baby, while some other parent has lost their child as a result of the arms trade."
Clarion Events has bought five arms fairs this year, including the biennial London arms fair which operates under the name Defence Systems and Equipment International (DSEi). The previous owner Reed Elsevier sold the fair following criticism from their own customers and shareholders. Clarion's other exhibitions include the Spirit of Christmas Fair, due in London from 5th - 9th November.
Symon Hill
e-mail:
press@caat.org.uk
Homepage:
http://www.caat.org.uk
Comments
Hide the following 3 comments
Great demo,but zapatistas&pro democracy forces attacked by fascists need arms
17.10.2008 19:29
I say this as someone who when a much younger activist did not understand, but Iam also someone whoes worked in manufacturing& understand it alot better now.
There are also weapons that definetely should be focusing more on like armed Killbots"9 people died in S.Africa recently&3000 or so had to be withdrawn in Iraq after repeatedly turning weapons at their controllers,nuclear especially nuclear cobalt .At moment I feel I dont want to go on any CAAT demos until tactics improve, if you want to discuss this email, I'd be happy to take time to elaborate, I will email your gen enquires
I hope you understand that Ive thought alot about this on courses at university, in 15 years of activism & as someone who has also worked in manufacturing
the "Making arms, wasting skills" on CAATS excellent website looks great, but we cant talk about abolishing the arms trade until there is true universal respect for the universal declaration of human rights.
Green syndicalist
I agree with u both! (PS When was the last time you saw the EZLN or Fretelin go)
17.10.2008 23:41
Defendory Fan Boys, Greece
Phone blockade
18.10.2008 10:48
The Baby Show "sales office" number during the show is 0207 244 3904
Why not call them to let them know how you feel about the DSEi weapons fair?
pax hominibus
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