#caat — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #caat, aggregated by home.social.
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“ISRAELI ARMS FIRMS THREATEN JOURNALISTS AT UK AIRSHOW”
by Phil Miller, Alex Morris and Hannah Johara Dokal in Declassified UK
@Declassified_UK
@DeclassifiedUK
@uk_politics
@[email protected]
@[email protected]
@[email protected]
@iran
@iraq
@palestinenews“Amid the Gaza genocide, Farnborough airshow invited Israel’s three largest arms firms. None wanted media scrutiny”
[..]
“One [Israel Arrospace Industries] #IAI security guard followed Declassified and demanded to see our media passes so he could ‘report us to the police’.
Facial recognition software indicates that the security guard, who was not displaying his own pass, resembles a man who has worked for Israel’s version of MI5, the Shin#Bet”
https://www.declassifieduk.org/israeli-arms-firms-threaten-journalists-at-uk-airshow/
#Press #SocialMedia #Journalism #UK #Farnborough #Airshow #Elbit #ElbitSystems #Rafael #BattleTested #Israel #Genocide #PalestinianGenocide #Gaza #CAAT
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“ISRAELI ARMS FIRMS THREATEN JOURNALISTS AT UK AIRSHOW”
by Phil Miller, Alex Morris and Hannah Johara Dokal in Declassified UK
@Declassified_UK
@DeclassifiedUK
@uk_politics
@[email protected]
@[email protected]
@[email protected]
@iran
@iraq
@palestinenews“Amid the Gaza genocide, Farnborough airshow invited Israel’s three largest arms firms. None wanted media scrutiny”
[..]
“One [Israel Arrospace Industries] #IAI security guard followed Declassified and demanded to see our media passes so he could ‘report us to the police’.
Facial recognition software indicates that the security guard, who was not displaying his own pass, resembles a man who has worked for Israel’s version of MI5, the Shin#Bet”
https://www.declassifieduk.org/israeli-arms-firms-threaten-journalists-at-uk-airshow/
#Press #SocialMedia #Journalism #UK #Farnborough #Airshow #Elbit #ElbitSystems #Rafael #BattleTested #Israel #Genocide #PalestinianGenocide #Gaza #CAAT
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#PalestineAction convictions https://truthout.org/articles/uk-convicts-palestine-action-activists-in-crackdown-on-palestine-solidarity/
#Filton6 statement
https://realmedia.press/filton-6-closing-speech-1/#Elbit Systems - #CAAT
https://caat.org.uk/data/companies/elbit-systems/War Profiteers - AFSC
https://afsc.org/gaza-genocide-companies -
#PalestineAction convictions https://truthout.org/articles/uk-convicts-palestine-action-activists-in-crackdown-on-palestine-solidarity/
#Filton6 statement
https://realmedia.press/filton-6-closing-speech-1/#Elbit Systems - #CAAT
https://caat.org.uk/data/companies/elbit-systems/War Profiteers - AFSC
https://afsc.org/gaza-genocide-companies -
Elbit (Who Profits?) https://www.whoprofits.org/companies/company/3794
UK Exports (CAAT)
https://caat.org.uk/data/exports-uk/licence-list?company=Elbit+SystemsKiller Drones (WoW)
https://waronwant.org/sites/default/files/Killer%20Drones%2C%20War%20on%20Want.pdf -
Elbit (Who Profits?) https://www.whoprofits.org/companies/company/3794
UK Exports (CAAT)
https://caat.org.uk/data/exports-uk/licence-list?company=Elbit+SystemsKiller Drones (WoW)
https://waronwant.org/sites/default/files/Killer%20Drones%2C%20War%20on%20Want.pdf -
Government deceit concerning arms exports
Research reveals arms sold to Israel for re-export never were
April 2026
Selling arms carries with it the risk that they will be used not for legitimate purposes of defence but for illegal or offensive actions and the killing of innocent people. They can contribute to the tens of millions of displaced people and refugees who flee persecution or civil wars. As a member of the Security Council and a major exporter of arms, the UK has a particular responsibility to ensure arms go to where they are intended and do not end up in the hands of countries or parties engaged in civil wars or insurrection.
The UK is seriously falling down in this duty and arguably, knows it to be the case. It seems more concerned with boosting exports and less interested in where or with whom the weapons end up. In a previous post we commented on the weak controls on arms sales to the UAE which evidence strongly suggest end up in the hands of Sudanese rebels, the RSF. in this post we discuss evidence of arms sales to Israel being used on the Golan Heights illegally occupied by Israel since 1967.
Both are aspects of the same problem: weapons supposedly going to a friendly power being sent on to one which isn’t or are being misused. The evidence seems to suggest a lack of control or curiosity by government and civil servants. In both cases the weapons have caused a huge number of deaths and injury.
Re-export loophole
The Campaign Against the Arms Trade and Declassified UK have unearthed some shady practice concerning weapons sales to Israel. A £120 million transaction involving components was concluded for arms to go to Israel for onward export to Romania. Only they didn’t. The licences were for Watchkeeper drone (pictured) components by Elbit Systems, the Israeli arms company with plants in the UK. Elbit then quietly, they suggest, repeatedly issued a force majeure clause thus preventing the component leaving Israel. [The Declassified report also discusses the issue of waste which is outside our human rights brief].
CAAT and Declassified wrote to the Business and Trade sub-Committee on Economic Security and Export Controls asking for an investigation. Their work has revealed that the UK has zero ‘end-use monitoring’ allowing arms companies to divert weapons with near impunity. The government still claims it has ‘robust monitoring’ in place which seems utterly absurd and at variance with the evidence.
Following these investigations, Romania has threatened to cancel a $400m contract with Elbit Systems whereupon Elbit says it will begin delivery. Can they be trusted?
It seems clear that UK controls on sales are lax or almost non-existent. The lack of end-user monitoring and issuing open licences means arms end up almost anywhere. The desire to sustain arms sales and the UK’s arms industry seems to trump issues of humanity and the death and destruction that these weapons cause. Claims of robust controls are absurd and dishonest.
- Government deceit concerning arms exports
- Human Rights and the Abuse of Anti-Terrorism Powers
- Global Refugee Crisis: Current Statistics and Trends
- Monthly death penalty report
- Petition reaches major milestone
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“ARMS INDUSTRY GIVEN DIRECT INFLUENCE OVER UNIVERSITY COURSES”
by Martin Williams in Declassified UK
@Declassified_UK
@DeclassifiedUK
@uk_politics“#BAESystems, #Leonardo, #Thales and #RollsRoyce are among the firms who have been invited to sit on at least 53 university advisory committees across the country.
They are usually asked to provide ‘strategic direction’ for academic departments – and sometimes also review the progress of research projects”
https://www.declassifieduk.org/arms-industry-given-direct-influence-over-university-courses/
#Press #SocialMedia #UK #Universities #Courses #ArmsIndustry #Influence #Courses #CAAT
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“ARMS INDUSTRY GIVEN DIRECT INFLUENCE OVER UNIVERSITY COURSES”
by Martin Williams in Declassified UK
@Declassified_UK
@DeclassifiedUK
@uk_politics“#BAESystems, #Leonardo, #Thales and #RollsRoyce are among the firms who have been invited to sit on at least 53 university advisory committees across the country.
They are usually asked to provide ‘strategic direction’ for academic departments – and sometimes also review the progress of research projects”
https://www.declassifieduk.org/arms-industry-given-direct-influence-over-university-courses/
#Press #SocialMedia #UK #Universities #Courses #ArmsIndustry #Influence #Courses #CAAT
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Note: 2,700 people have been arrested for supporting #PalestineAction since it was proscribed under the Terrorism Act last summer by the then-home secretary Yvette Cooper; many arrested for holding placards expressing support for the group.
https://www.theguardian.com/global/2026/apr/05/seven-arrested-over-alleged-support-for-palestine-action-at-raf-lakenheath-protest -
Note: 2,700 people have been arrested for supporting #PalestineAction since it was proscribed under the Terrorism Act last summer by the then-home secretary Yvette Cooper; many arrested for holding placards expressing support for the group.
https://www.theguardian.com/global/2026/apr/05/seven-arrested-over-alleged-support-for-palestine-action-at-raf-lakenheath-protest -
International Peace Camp - 1-6 April - at #Lakenheath US-occupied nuclear base; included a blockade of the main gates of the base, protesting the #Iran war, the #Gaza genocide, and the presence of nuclear weapons at the site.
https://freedomnews.org.uk/2026/04/06/arrests-at-lakenheath-nuclear-base-blockade/
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International Peace Camp - 1-6 April - at #Lakenheath US-occupied nuclear base; included a blockade of the main gates of the base, protesting the #Iran war, the #Gaza genocide, and the presence of nuclear weapons at the site.
https://freedomnews.org.uk/2026/04/06/arrests-at-lakenheath-nuclear-base-blockade/
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https://newint.org/arms/2026/italian-arms-factory-workers-say-no-war
Stop The Arms Trade
https://newint.org/special/arms-trade#antimilitarism #CAAT #Capitalism #Elbit #F35 #Gaza To Stop The Arms Trade #Italy #LabourMovement #Leonardo #Palestine #Solidarity
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https://newint.org/arms/2026/italian-arms-factory-workers-say-no-war
Stop The Arms Trade
https://newint.org/special/arms-trade#antimilitarism #CAAT #Capitalism #Elbit #F35 #Gaza To Stop The Arms Trade #Italy #LabourMovement #Leonardo #Palestine #Solidarity
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🐱💛 Rescate que conmueve
Un rescate de minino en Tequisquiapan permitió salvar a un mishi atrapado en una azotea 🙌
Autoridades y ciudadanía trabajaron juntos
#Tequisquiapan #RescateAnimal #CAAT
Más información aquí 👇
https://amanecerqro.com/rescate-de-un-minino-en-tequisquiapan-destaca-labor-del-caat/
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Mass death in Sudan
Terrible events continue to unfold in Sudan. Britain’s role in the supply of weapons
April 2026
While the world is transfixed by the events in the Middle East following the bombing campaign initiated by the US and Israel, terrible misery is inflicted on millions caught up in a long-running war in Sudan. The numbers are huge: tens of thousands killed with mounds of bodies reported in some locations, 8 million displaced in a country with little infrastructure to cope, and an almost uncountable number of women and girts raped. Tens of millions are in need of humanitarian assistance.
The UN reports a tripling of gender based violence much of it unreported because of the stigma and shame attached to the victims. This disaster follows a 2 year siege of Al Fasher by Rapid Support Forces, a rebel group who are successors to the Janjaweed. There are many reports of men executed on the spot by RSF men.
Weapons
The question is how are the RSF getting these weapons to enable them to take on the Sudanese Armed Forces? The story is complex but considerable evidence points to the key supply hub of the UAE being the principle source. Weapons are then filtered through other countries and states including Libya and Uganda. The weapons themselves come from Russia, China, Yemen, Serbia and Türkiye. The supply route is described as ‘unimpeded’ by some observers.
The UK? As is usual with these conflicts, the UK is busy supplying weapons to the UAE despite knowing that some are destined for the RSF to be used for slaughter in the Sudan. CAAT reports that £825m was supplied in the period 2020 – 2024. £421m was suppled since the Sudan war began. They report that the UK government were well aware of the diversions taking place. The British government has been urged to suspend further arms sales to the UAE. This follows a report in the Telegraph.
A Channel 4 report supplies further details – or such details as can be found as the industry is shrouded in secrecy – and they do note that weapons sales to the UAE have diminished. The report ends with the familiar refrain from ministers:
“The UK government told us it has a very strong arms export licensing system in place, and it takes any allegations of diversion of exported weapons to another country very seriously. It said it had reviewed a large number of export licences, and found no evidence of diverted items being linked to existing licences.
“Speaking to Channel 4 News today [25 November 2025], Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “I have deliberately made the issues around Sudan one of the top priorities here in the Foreign Office because this is the worst humanitarian crisis of the twenty-first century.””
Open licences
The problem with Foreign Office statements is the issue of open licences. A rather less sanguine view of the question is provided in a Daily Telegraph article. The FCO is accused of failing to check the onward movement of weapons once they have landed in the UAE: a kind of out of sight out of mind.
The situation in Sudan is dreadful and there is a flow of refugees from the country some of whom end up at Calais. The UK is urged to limit arms sales to UAE and to ensure that such arms as are sold do not find their way to the RSF.
Sources: Amnesty, Guardian, Telegraph, Middle East Eye, CAAT, The Parliament Politics, Channel 4.
Recent posts:
- Violence becomes the message
- Mass death in Sudan
- Israel passes death penalty bill for Palestinians
- Well attended vigil
- Trade Minister a member of Friends of Israel
Photo CNN
#armsSales #CAAT #FCO #Sdan #UAE -
Mass death in Sudan
Terrible events continue to unfold in Sudan. Britain’s role in the supply of weapons
April 2026
While the world is transfixed by the events in the Middle East following the bombing campaign initiated by the US and Israel, terrible misery is inflicted on millions caught up in a long-running war in Sudan. The numbers are huge: tens of thousands killed with mounds of bodies reported in some locations, 8 million displaced in a country with little infrastructure to cope, and an almost uncountable number of women and girts raped. Tens of millions are in need of humanitarian assistance.
The UN reports a tripling of gender based violence much of it unreported because of the stigma and shame attached to the victims. This disaster follows a 2 year siege of Al Fasher by Rapid Support Forces, a rebel group who are successors to the Janjaweed. There are many reports of men executed on the spot by RSF men.
Weapons
The question is how are the RSF getting these weapons to enable them to take on the Sudanese Armed Forces? The story is complex but considerable evidence points to the key supply hub of the UAE being the principle source. Weapons are then filtered through other countries and states including Libya and Uganda. The weapons themselves come from Russia, China, Yemen, Serbia and Türkiye. The supply route is described as ‘unimpeded’ by some observers.
The UK? As is usual with these conflicts, the UK is busy supplying weapons to the UAE despite knowing that some are destined for the RSF to be used for slaughter in the Sudan. CAAT reports that £825m was supplied in the period 2020 – 2024. £421m was suppled since the Sudan war began. They report that the UK government were well aware of the diversions taking place. The British government has been urged to suspend further arms sales to the UAE. This follows a report in the Telegraph.
A Channel 4 report supplies further details – or such details as can be found as the industry is shrouded in secrecy – and they do note that weapons sales to the UAE have diminished. The report ends with the familiar refrain from ministers:
“The UK government told us it has a very strong arms export licensing system in place, and it takes any allegations of diversion of exported weapons to another country very seriously. It said it had reviewed a large number of export licences, and found no evidence of diverted items being linked to existing licences.
“Speaking to Channel 4 News today [25 November 2025], Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “I have deliberately made the issues around Sudan one of the top priorities here in the Foreign Office because this is the worst humanitarian crisis of the twenty-first century.””
Open licences
The problem with Foreign Office statements is the issue of open licences. A rather less sanguine view of the question is provided in a Daily Telegraph article. The FCO is accused of failing to check the onward movement of weapons once they have landed in the UAE: a kind of out of sight out of mind.
The situation in Sudan is dreadful and there is a flow of refugees from the country some of whom end up at Calais. The UK is urged to limit arms sales to UAE and to ensure that such arms as are sold do not find their way to the RSF.
Sources: Amnesty, Guardian, Telegraph, Middle East Eye, CAAT, The Parliament Politics, Channel 4.
Recent posts:
- Violence becomes the message
- Mass death in Sudan
- Israel passes death penalty bill for Palestinians
- Well attended vigil
- Trade Minister a member of Friends of Israel
Photo CNN
#armsSales #CAAT #FCO #Sdan #UAE -
“Undercover police spied on anti-arms trade campaigners & exaggerated their threat to protect the arms industry”
by The Canary
“Evidence quoted in an opening position statement [..] on 2 Feb by the #UndercoverPolicing #Inquiry shows that multiple undercover police officers spied on anti-arms trade campaigners, incl Campaign Against #ArmsTrade (#CAAT), because of the financial importance of the industry to the British state”
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“Undercover police spied on anti-arms trade campaigners & exaggerated their threat to protect the arms industry”
by The Canary
“Evidence quoted in an opening position statement [..] on 2 Feb by the #UndercoverPolicing #Inquiry shows that multiple undercover police officers spied on anti-arms trade campaigners, incl Campaign Against #ArmsTrade (#CAAT), because of the financial importance of the industry to the British state”
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Who’s who in the War Profiteers zoo, without much ado:
https://caat.org.uk/data/companies/ -
Who’s who in the War Profiteers zoo, without much ado:
https://caat.org.uk/data/companies/ -
October https://www.declassifieduk.org/us-arms-firm-secures-ban-on-palestine-protests-in-britain/
September
https://www.declassifieduk.org/uk-aerospace-firm-supplying-israels-defence-ministry/https://www.declassifieduk.org/what-is-the-f-35-fighter-jet-israel-uses-to-bomb-gaza-and-iran/
#CAAT #directaction #Elbit #F35 #Gaza #LockheedMartin #Militaryindustrialcomplex #Moog #Palestine #Wolverhampton
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October https://www.declassifieduk.org/us-arms-firm-secures-ban-on-palestine-protests-in-britain/
September
https://www.declassifieduk.org/uk-aerospace-firm-supplying-israels-defence-ministry/https://www.declassifieduk.org/what-is-the-f-35-fighter-jet-israel-uses-to-bomb-gaza-and-iran/
#CAAT #directaction #Elbit #F35 #Gaza #LockheedMartin #Militaryindustrialcomplex #Moog #Palestine #Wolverhampton
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Simplified Accessibility Testing, right from your browser?! 💡🔍
I designed and coded this little landing page to showcase all the #accessibility browser #bookmarklets powered by #CAAT and created by my wonderful team here at mindscreen.
Take a look: https://tools.caat.report/
Perhaps one of these bookmarklets could be integrated into your #a11y #testing process? 👀
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Simplified Accessibility Testing, right from your browser?! 💡🔍
I designed and coded this little landing page to showcase all the #accessibility browser #bookmarklets powered by #CAAT and created by my wonderful team here at mindscreen.
Take a look: https://tools.caat.report/
Perhaps one of these bookmarklets could be integrated into your #a11y #testing process? 👀
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Only 1 month to go until #TestConEurope! 💻😎
Watch the short video introduction of my talk and join me in Vilnius from October 21st to 24th 2025 🎙️
If you're interested in learning more about #testing software products for #accessibility, come and find me at the conference. I'd be happy to share some insights and tips, and chat about #CAAT — our software to test digital products for accessibility in a structured and efficient way. I'll also bring some free buttons!🐱
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Only 1 month to go until #TestConEurope! 💻😎
Watch the short video introduction of my talk and join me in Vilnius from October 21st to 24th 2025 🎙️
If you're interested in learning more about #testing software products for #accessibility, come and find me at the conference. I'd be happy to share some insights and tips, and chat about #CAAT — our software to test digital products for accessibility in a structured and efficient way. I'll also bring some free buttons!🐱
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Palestinian state recognised
UK recognises the state of Palestine
September 2025
Today, 21 September, the UK government announces that it is to recognise the state of Palestine. It has joined the majority of countries around the world and joins Canada and Australia who did the same today. The decision has come after months of hesitation and was delayed until after the visit to the UK by President Trump who does not agree with the decision. To an extent, the government’s hand was forced. The disproportionate response to the horrific attack by Hamas on October 7th with the destruction of huge parts of Gaza, a death toll now over 65,000 many or whom are women and children and the deliberate introduction of siege conditions leading to more deaths by starvation, has left the government little option but to take action. Public opinion has also been a factor and the images of emaciated children has horrified many.
Britain’s decision is more than symbolic since the 1917 Balfour Declaration was instrumental in the creation of the state of Israel. The declaration was vague however since although it recognised that Arabs and Palestinians already lived there and said ‘nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine‘ it made no provision for protecting their claims or rights.
Some argue this is symbolic since with American support and ever increasing violence by settlers in the West Bank, the prospects of an actual state on the ground are receding. Some suggest that this means the conditions for statehood as set out in the 1933 Montevideo convention are not achievable. The Israeli government has rejected the decision saying ‘it categorically rejects the one-sided declaration of a Palestinian state by the UK and some other countries.’ It claims the decision does not promote peace. A spokesman for the British Board of Deputies interviewed on the BBC was critical of the decision and said it would cause deep dismay across the Jewish community in the UK. It says it is a reward for Hamas violence.
Implications
What are the implications? It will take some while for the implications to percolate through the claims and counter claims of the various political interests. It will enable the Palestinians to open an Embassy in the UK which will improve their status. It will enjoy diplomatic rights which will be significant. Up until recently, the Israelis have enjoyed almost uncritical support from governments but its continued violence in the West Bank and Gaza is seeing that support melt away.
It is unlikely to bring a peace deal any closer. Wars end because a kind of exhaustion sets in and the population goes weary of war-time restrictions and the loss of soldiers. This shows no sign of applying in Israel. Seemingly limitless weapons supplies from America and a huge military advantage in weapons and materiel mean any exhaustion is a long way off. IDF deaths are modest 464 [Jewish News Syndicate, 18 September]. The far right members of the Knesset such as Bezalel Smotrich see Gaza as a ‘property bonanza’ and claim the ‘demolition phase is over’.
Recognition will make it harder for the UK government to continue its support of Israel – open and covert – with RAF overflights for example, and ignore the plight of the Palestinians. It may even see some more robust reporting from the BBC whose lamentable performance has slowly begun to change.
Amnesty has said it is a ‘hollow gesture’ and without meaningful action to end the genocide, end violence in the West Bank and ending the Apartheid system against the Palestinian people. Real action needs to be taken to end arms sales and divest from companies which continue to sell arms to Israel. A report by CAAT sets out the details of arms export to Israel.
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Stop the Arms Fair, formed in January 2011, is a network of groups and individuals campaigning to put a stop to arms fairs in the UK, and in particular DSEI – (Defence & Security Equipment International) one of the 24 arms fairs around the world run by Clarion Events.
https://stopthearmsfair.org.uk/
#antimilitarism #CAAT #DSEI #Elbit #Gaza #militaryindustrialcomplex #Palestine
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Stop the Arms Fair, formed in January 2011, is a network of groups and individuals campaigning to put a stop to arms fairs in the UK, and in particular DSEI – (Defence & Security Equipment International) one of the 24 arms fairs around the world run by Clarion Events.
https://stopthearmsfair.org.uk/
#antimilitarism #CAAT #DSEI #Elbit #Gaza #militaryindustrialcomplex #Palestine
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#Elbit are there. Do attend if you can x x
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#Elbit are there. Do attend if you can x x
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Arms lobby group urged UK and Scottish Governments to crack down on Palestine Action
#TheFerret #Scotland #PalestineAction #CAAT
https://theferret.scot/ads-group-urged-government-palestine-action/
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Arms lobby group urged UK and Scottish Governments to crack down on Palestine Action
#TheFerret #Scotland #PalestineAction #CAAT
https://theferret.scot/ads-group-urged-government-palestine-action/
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Lets shut down the DSEi arms fair in London. Together.
9 September 2025, Excel Centre, Custom House, London E16
https://thebigone.uk/#antimilitarism #ArmsFair #CAAT #civildisobedience #directaction #DSEi #gaza #London #militaryindustrialcomplex #Palestine #solidarity
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Lets shut down the DSEi arms fair in London. Together.
9 September 2025, Excel Centre, Custom House, London E16
https://thebigone.uk/#antimilitarism #ArmsFair #CAAT #civildisobedience #directaction #DSEi #gaza #London #militaryindustrialcomplex #Palestine #solidarity
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Campaign Against the Arms Trade Solidarity with Palestine Action https://caat.org.uk/news/we-are-all-palestine-action-caat-solidarity-statement/
#antimilitarism #CAAT #Militaryindustrialcomplex #PalestineAction #Solidarity
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Arms trade news
Grim reading in Campaign Against the Arms Trade’s latest newsletter
May 2025
The CAAT Newsletter (Spring 2025, Issue 272) has details of what’s happening in the world of arms sales a world in which the UK is a big player. Our previous post discussed the continuing sale of arms to Israel which is subject to an Appeal Court hearing starting on 13th. Also we mentioned the role of the RAF in carrying out hundreds of flights over Gaza and quite what is being done with the information gleaned is not revealed.
Arms sales are important for several reasons. Weapons have an enormous capacity to do great harm in the wrong hands. Governments need to exert great control over licensing to ensure that arms do not fall into such hands. British governments are frequently to be heard claiming it exercises ‘robust’ controls. It is doubtful that this is the case and CAAT have often noted the considerable use of open licences which means little effective control exists.
The current Labour government has a policy of growth which seems to dominate thinking. As the court case will reveal, and papers have already revealed, this seems to trump considerations of human rights. CAAT News has the following examples:
- The Defence Secretary has held meetings with counterparts in Saudi Arabia and Turkey to discuss opportunities for expanding military cooperation which is likely to involve arms sales. Both countries have woeful human rights records. Saudi has a full array of violations including public executions, use of torture, restrictions on women’s rights and repression of any opposition or free speech. Turkey has carried out baseless prosecutions against journalists, human rights defenders and opposition leaders, thousands of whom are in gaol.
- Eurofighter sales – which the UK co-produces – are planned for Qatar and Turkey. The latter is involved in bombing Kurdish groups in its own country and Iraq. Qatar is another repressive Gulf state and is highly corrupt.
- We have noted before the question of the Revolving Door where politicians, ministers, senior civil servants and military personnel leave their posts and head off for lucrative appointments/directorships/consultancies with arms firms. It is an open invitation for corruption and the ACOBA system seems powerless to stop it. The Aerospace, Defence and Security Group, (ADS) the trade body for the defence industry representing all of the major arms makers, holds an annual dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in which, in the words of CAAT ‘The dinner’s purpose is to introduce them to one another and allow them to schmooze and entertain their powerful friends from Parliament and the Civil Service‘ … These kinds of dinners are where relationships are formed and built and where the next round of arms deals are made, over fine food and wines.’
- And it doesn’t end there. The Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) resumes in September at the ExCel Centre in London. This may be the largest such exhibition in the world. It is popular because the UK government invites representatives from a wide range of countries including those with appalling human rights records, some even on its own watch list. The thousands of attendees will be met by ‘a cast of compliant senior civil servants and politicians on hand to make sure things run smoothly’ (CAAT).
- … or even there because the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre is to host Security and Policing run by the Home Office. Again, a range of countries with dreadful human rights are cordially invited to view the latest in surveillance, tear gas and ammunition. Journalists are banned. Britain seems happy to be host to regimes who use this equipment to repress and intimidate oppositions, journalists or human rights people.
Growth or rights?
The government seems keen to actively support these activities and to do all it can to promote arms and surveillance equipment to repressive regimes. It does this while piously claiming that:
This Government is fully committed to the protection of human rights both at home and abroad. We are committed to the international human rights framework and the important role that multilateral organisations like the Council of Europe play in upholding it. (Ministry of Justice, November 2024, ref: CP 1192)
It is hard to square the multi-level activities to promote arms sales and in the process currying favour with some of the world’s worst regimes, with their stated desire to be upholders of human rights and the wellbeing of those at the end of it all. While politicians, civil servants, military brass and ministers ‘schmooze’ with the arms manufacturers in expensive London hotels, it may be hard for them to empathise with those who have been bombed, starved, driven from their homes or incarcerated, tortured or executed for no reason. All facilitated by the weapons and equipment they so admire whilst quaffing the Bollinger. Is it growth above all else?
Sources include: CAAT, The Canary, Amnesty
#armsFair #armsSales #CAAT #DSEI #Farnborough #government #PoliceAndSecurity #revolvingDoor
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High Court to decide on arms to Israel
The appeal is to be heard on May 13
May 2025
The appeal against the government’s decision to continue to supplying Israel with arms – and in particular, components for the F-35 – will be heard in the High Court starting on May 13th. The government is in something of a bind. The actions by Israel in Gaza are widely deplored and many contend amount to a war crime and genocide. But to offend the Americans by curtailing supplies of components for the F-35 used in Gaza is almost unthinkable for the government desperate as it is to curry favour with the Americans.
The action is being brought by Al Haq a human rights organisation based in Ramallah, and Global Legal Action Network consisting of lawyers and investigators which identifies and pursues legal actions against those involved in human rights violations. They have been joined by Amnesty, Oxfam GB and Human Rights Watch.
The latest edition of Campaign Against the Arms Trade (Issue 272, Spring 2025) discusses the issue of continuing military aid to Israel. It notes that ‘even our government has been forced to admit that is assesses Israel is not committed to complying with International Humanitarian Law‘. The case will be the biggest legal test of UK exports to Israel to date. They highlight an article in the Guardian by a former Foreign Office diplomat who described continued attempts by ministers to stonewall or play down evidence of what is happening in Gaza.
Over 52,000 have now been killed in the conflict. There are now reports of 57 deaths due to malnutrition mainly of children, the sick or the elderly. No aid is allowed in including food and necessary medical supplies. This has been the case now for over 60 days. Aid agencies stocks are depleted. A gloomy picture is painted on the situation in Haaretz.
We will follow the court case with great interest.
In addition to the supply of arms, there is the question of involvement of the RAF which has carried out over 250 overflights of Gaza (Declassified says 500). The chief of defence staff, Sir Tony Radakin was asked by a reporter from Declassified whether the RAF’s activities meant they were participating in Israel’s operations in Gaza? Answer came there none. They are not alone and the article reports that backbench MPs have sought answers without success. It is disturbing that the RAF are seemingly deeply involved in what is happening.
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Rafael Advanced “Defense” (of profits) Systems https://caat.org.uk/data/companies/rafael/
More about
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Advanced_Defense_Systems#antimilitarism #armstrade #CAAT #militaryindustrialcomplex #Rafael
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Rafael Advanced “Defense” (of profits) Systems https://caat.org.uk/data/companies/rafael/
More about
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Advanced_Defense_Systems#antimilitarism #armstrade #CAAT #militaryindustrialcomplex #Rafael
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Arms sales and the revolving door
New report from the Campaign Against the Arms Trade reveals extent of this activity
November 2024
The question of arms sales has risen up the political agenda partly because of the question of whether we should continue to sell weapons to Israel. It also cropped up with the decision recently to award a GCVO to the King of Bahrain presented by King Charles. It was also an issue during the war in Yemen where British weapons and personnel were involved in helping Saudi in their ferocious bombing campaign in that country. All these and other examples revealed an industry with considerable political influence. They result in a distortion of our political process and an almost complete disregard for the effects of the arms on people at the end of them. The destruction being carried on in Gaza is facilitated by the continuing sale of F-36 aircraft elements of which are made in the UK. An ‘ethical dimension’ to our policy seems to be a thing of the past. There is little sign that arms sales are restricted to states which ignore human rights or International Humanitarian Law.
Not so much a revolving door as an ‘open plan office’
Campaign Against the Arms Trade CAAT has campaigned on these issues for many years and their current magazine, Issue 270, Autumn 2024 contains a number of articles on the topic of arms. One concerns what has been known as the ‘revolving door’. In an article ‘Government and Arms Industry Joined at the Hip’, they explore the deeply compromising nature of this relationship. They have published a report From Revolving Door to Open Plan Office: the Ever Closer Union Between the UK Government and the Arms Industry. They argue that the arms industry has become so deeply embedded in the government that the boundary has almost disappeared. It is now not so much a revolving door as an ‘open plan office’. 40% of top military staff and civilian personnel leaving the MOD hold positions in the arms and security industries. Transparency International research shows that one company, BAE, had more meetings with ministers and with Prime Ministers than any other company.
Private Eye carried out an extensive survey in 2016. This went into great detail and named names.
Why does it matter?
It matters for three main reasons:
- Firstly, arms cause great misery for millions of people. The harrowing images on news programmes of property destruction, dead bodies, lines of people on the move or rows of tents housing displaced people are the result of the activities of this trade,
- The lobbying power is such that government ministers seem to fall into line almost as soon as they assume power. Grand statements by Sir Keir Starmer and David Lammy for example are quickly forgotten as the next trade deal is signed. The arms trade seems to wield enormous power and influence over government policy,
- Thirdly, the ‘open plan office’ means senior staff in the Civil Service and in the MOD and armed services are keeping an eye on prospects as they approach retirement. Lucrative board appointments and ‘consultancy’ contracts await them. Are they going to ask uncomfortable questions or raise difficulties with an arms contract and jeopardise these prospects?
As CAAT put it:
‘When these ‘revolvers’ leave public service for the arms trade, they take with them extensive contacts and privileged access. As current government decision-makers are willing to meet and listen to former Defence Ministers and ex-Generals, particularly if they used to work with them, this increases the arms trade’s already excessive influence over our government’s actions.
‘On top of this, there is the risk that government decision-makers will be reluctant to displease arms companies as this could ruin their chances of landing a lucrative arms industry job in the future. Beyond individual decisions, the traffic from government to the private sector, and vice versa, is part of a process where the public interest becoming conflated with corporate interest, so that it becomes normal to unquestioningly meet, collaborate and decide policy with the arms industry, then take work with it.’
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Campaign Against the Arms Trade
https://caat.org.uk/app/uploads/2023/11/Fact-sheet-re-Gaza-2023-11-14.pdfUpdate
https://freedomnews.org.uk/2024/06/19/arms-factory-invaders-told-they-caused-1million-in-damage/#PalestineAction #directaction #solidarity #Gaza #ScotiaBank
#Elbit #InstroPrecision
#MilitaryIndustrialComplex #CAAT -
Shut The System
https://freedomnews.org.uk/2024/06/10/shut-the-system-and-palestine-action-smash-20-barclays-branches/Elbit - Who Profits ? https://www.whoprofits.org/index.php?/companies/company/3794
AFSC on Elbit
https://investigate.afsc.org/company/elbit-systemsCAAT on Barclays Bank
https://caat.org.uk/app/uploads/2024/05/Barclays-report-May-2024-v3-FINAL.pdfPalestine Action
https://palestineaction.org/#antimilitarism #BarclaysBank #ceasefire #Elbit #Gaza #MilitaryIndustrialComplex #Palestine
#AFSC #WhoProfits #CAAT #ShutTheSystem #PalestineAction -
Weapons factory app rejected
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ceqq5z1nwwvo
L3Harris the 12th largest arms manufacturer in the world profits from Israel’s war on Palestine. Their bomb release mechanisms are supplied to #LockheedMartin #F16 and #F35 fighter jets used on #Gaza.
Mayday blockade action
https://caat.org.uk/news/media-release-following-may-day-international-solidarity-actions-activists-in-brighton-blockade-the-entrance-to-the-l3harris-arms-factor/More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L3Harris
Workers for a Free #Palestine (#WFP) #CAAT #antimilitarism
#solidarity #CeaseFire #Militaryindustrialcomplex
#L3Harris #Brighton -
War Profiteers Raytheon, BAE Systems and Leonardo have all received six-figure grants from business agency Scottish Enterprise
https://theferret.scot/scottish-government-grants-arms-firms-israel/(Scottish Enterprise “human rights checks” failed no firms )
Campaign Against Arms Trade #CAAT
https://caat.org.uk/app/uploads/2023/11/Fact-sheet-re-Gaza-2023-11-14.pdfEdinburgh Leonardo Protest action https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2023/11/activists-enter-ferry-road-premises-of-edinburgh-firm-leonardo/
#AntiMilitarism #CeaseFire #MilitaryIndustrialComplex #BAE #Leonardo #Edinburgh #Raytheon #ScottishEnterprise
#Gaza #Palestine #Rafah -
Cameron is lying over arms exports to Israel, claims CAAT
https://www.thecanary.co/uk/analysis/2024/05/13/cameron-lying-arms-israel/#Cameron
#Lies
#ToryLies
#ToryLiars
#Israel
#Gaza
#ArmsTrade
#ArmsSales
#CampaignAgainstTheArmsTrade
#CAAT
#HumanitarianLaw
#UKLicensing
#IHL
#InternationalHumanitarianLaw
#StopArmingGenocide
#Genocide
#IHLViolations
#ComplicitInGenocide
#Palestinians
#Rafah
