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Protesters chained to gates at defence convention

Vladimir Morozov/XR Protesters hold up a banner reading "no arms deals in Telford"Vladimir Morozov/XR
Extinction Rebellion said the arms trade added to greenhouse gas emissions
  • Extinction Rebellion has staged a protest at a defence industry event in Telford
  • Activists chained themselves to the gates of Telford International Centre
  • Organisers of the event said the convention went ahead as planned

Environmental activists chained themselves to the gates at the start of a defence convention in Telford.

The group, from Extinction Rebellion, protested at the Telford International Centre (TIC) as the Specialist Defence and Security Convention UK (SDSC-UK) began.

The two-day event was described as bringing together defence bosses and manufacturers from across the Midlands.

Its organisers said it was not affected by "very limited demonstrations" and praised police for "doing a fantastic job in ensuring everyone’s rights are respected".

Vladimir Morozov/XR protesters chained across a gatewayVladimir Morozov/XR
Protesters chained themselves to the gates at about 08:00 GMT on Wednesday

Protester Sal Mager claimed the decision to stage the event had caused "huge public outcry".

She said a letter to TIC was signed by scores of people including "religious and community leaders, business people, and military veterans".

Extinction Rebellion said the defence industry was a large contributor to climate change.

The organisers were asked for a response to the group's environmental claim.

TIC said SDSC-UK was an established event with the involvement of the Ministry of Defence.

In a statement, it added: "Whilst we respect the right of protest, this is a legitimate convention which has a right to be held.”

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