Massive protests are expected at a weapons sales fair in Docklands next week, prompting police to draft more than 2000 officers into the area.

The increased police presence comes in the wake of the war against Iraq, which prompted the largest anti-war march ever in the UK, and amid increasing fear of potential terrorist attacks on London.

The police presence is expected to cost significantly more than the £1m spent controlling the previous Defence Systems and Equipment international (DSEi) event, two years ago.

The Met will send the majority of officers to the ExCel conference centre in London's Newham borough, but a further 300 will come from British Transport Police.

Intelligence and web-site monitoring have led officers to expect demonstrators to attempt to disrupt transport links into the event, according to a Met spokeswoman.

Among potential targets are Docklands Light Railway, the Western Gateway access road to the Royal Victoria Dock, and Custom House Tube station.

The Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT), organising protests against the fair, has published a timetable of events on its web site, with non-violent, direct action including blockades, street parties, and a peace vigil.

Accorting to CAAT some local churches have also been involved in preparations.

A spokeswoman for Newham Borough Council, where the event is being held, said the council's services had been working 'for some months' with police to ensure a 'state of preparedness' for the arms trade protests.

"Obviously we are concerned in terms of the effects on residents and businesses," she said.

What the opposing parties say...

Government Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO)
"DESO support to defence exhibitions is in line with the UK Government’s policy of supporting the UK defence industry in its efforts to secure orders for legitimate defence exports.

"Responsible and legitimate trade in defence exports, together with our own defence efforts, can help ensure security and peace around the world, by providing the UK’s friends and allies with equipment necessary for self-defence."


http://www.deso.mod.uk/events.htm

Camapaign Against Arms Trade
"Eighty countries have received invitations to DSEi 2003. These have been sent to governments of some of the world's worst human rights abusing states, including Colombia, Israel and Saudi Arabia.

"Inviting delegates to arms exhibitions like DSEi provides countries with not only the opportunity to buy the weapons and tools with which they can perpetrate human rights abuses, but also gives moral and political support to their actions."


http://www.caat.org.uk